maddog,
Those pictures are not particularyily good examples of a cage design!
I am certainly no expert but have read lots and lots of information regarding cage design.
The main reason you are putting in a cage is to protect the occupants lives.
I would say the best thing you can do is go for a bit of overkill in the design.
The A pillar vertical in those pics has a massive bend near the top which is a big weak point.
You want things to be as straight as you can, with decent triangulation and good nodes.
I would take the first design and straighten the A pillar vertical legs as much as possible.
Add a horizontal bar across the top of the dash
Add a horizontal bar behind the seats for the harnesses
Add a horizontal bar between A and B pillar legs at hip height next to the seats
Add bars for the seats to mount to
Add some more overhead bracing above the occupants. not necessarily a full cross
etc.
Add some gussets to the joins where they are going to take a hit
etc.
I will try and grab some pictures of Shanes jeep this weekend if I go and visit.
His cage design is simple and well thought out.
You can come and have a good look at it during Tuff truck as well
In the meantime do some searches on pirate4x4 for cage designs.
I think the best thing you can do is read a lot and look at what works for others.
There are some ridiculous designs out there that have too much tube and then others that have obvious weak points.
Just my opinion anyways
cheers
z