The thing is, I've followed this thread since you first posted, and, I can't quite think what's 'not' doing it for me, it just isn't clicking yet.
However, images 1, 4 and 5 are working.
I'm undecided on 2(although the reflection idea is good), not sure on 3 and 6 (I'd have liked to have maybe seen more of outside in focus, and not the people, if that makes sense)
I'm not keen on the last one.
I've come back to this thread often and mulled over your images, and will continue to do so.
Had you got 4 from the outside as you did with 5, that would have been cool.
Blown highlights don't bother me at all.
Probably not much help to you either...