Initially I liked the last one best, but now I've had a fiddle, I'm liking the first one best - definitely works for me.
I'm still thinking you need a bit more detail in the shadows. Maybe the scanner exposure again?
I had a fiddle to see what I could get out of the shadows but I think it needs more. Also sharpened them a bit and a few burns. Hope you don't mind.
(http://www.monopix.co.uk/posted_images/chops_1.jpg)
(http://www.monopix.co.uk/posted_images/chops_2.jpg)