I'll add another vote for the second one, though I think you might be able to discard the texture of crumpled paper or lower the opacity of it way down to be more of a subtle hint. Why I like the color is that it really makes the map "go" for me and is why I think others like it too...color just makes it more interesting to look at as a whole. And your treatment of the style still retains it's authentic look of aged parchment...I'd like to see more like this. Good job.