yes, it is the point. The first one look more handsome shoujo like. But this final one make more of a character. it feel more like a kid with expression and and sillier. that make the setting more natural.
If would feel way too plain if the first one get accept.
Just look, his first version reaction is cool and laid back type. Imagine how that make the past "be lonely" setting even work when you make the protagonist the cool kid ?