[NZMXr]

I too prefer the top image
I have read to think of a RAW image as a negative in that it needs to be processed, so for my RAW shots I dont let the camera make any adjustment ie settings 0,0,0,0 but I do set the exposure to underexpose by 2 clicks so I can have a faster shutter, I have to process image anyway so might as well bump up exposure again in PS, then if you do lose detail when you bump up exposure just do a little dodging and burning to bring the detail back.
Im still learning to use this process but have found I can bring out much more in my images and am now going to make it part of my workflow