My opinion usually goes against the majority. Bearing that in mind, I would prefer number one if it was cropped and larger. This tread will be interesting to see how far off my opinion is again.
You could try focusing on a single strand with the sharpest at the tip and blurring the depth. The multiples in the 2nd photo pull the eyes all over, can't tell where they should look.
I like #2 better myself. To me it's the more interesting of the two, and the better depth of field seems to pull you into the center no matter where you start from.
I like #1, with the exception of the fence proping the main item. #2 has a unique "in focus" pattern, that for some reason I find interesting. I gotta go with #2, although I would be proud to have either on my wall.