Okay Lord Unicorn! Sorry its been a minute.
Here a critique of Build #1.
Your use of upside downstairs to create shelving is dated as it looks very clunky. As well you can't put anything on it! I left a example of a better option for you to use above the building.
The pulley is a bit of a stretch just because the loft, in general, is so tight and small and it really makes the space feel tight. A good thing to understand is that our server is going through a relativiely "minimalistic" stage where we don't try to cram alot into a small space. So honestly, I say remove the loft, its not that necessary and there isn't any room for it.
Your gradient is incorrect. Another example is provided above the build.
Please make sure your thatch doesn't expose any wood underneath. This is partially because of the shape of the house and messy thatch looks way worse on diagonals.