++ in some of the other photos it feels like the glass is floating. the cloth gives #6 a visual base.
ok, then I would say #8 looks the best because it shows just enough of the glass to be visually very interesting.
I think the floating glass look is what Carl might have been going for, and personally I like it. Why else would it be completely dark with a completely dark cloth? Just my opinion. I love #5.. The fire isn't fully ingnited by then, just in the begining stage. I'd buy a poster of that... The coloration is amazing, to me.
Did ya try any with ice cubes? Might be kinda neat. Also Carl I may have a little photo job for ya. I'll send pm later.