Removing the structure is a nice improvement as well as leveling the photo. You had some very nice leading space on the left side that you have cropped and you might want to try adding some back.
I am at comfort best with your intial crop with less room in front. I feel the strength of the subject is more strengthened with the footsteps and water curls that lead me to it. The comp of this image is structured by all the elements rather than just the Buffy IMO.
One more look with about one third of the upper BG gone might take it a step further in strength. Thought is that my eyes work up the middle to the Buffy, then over to the water steps but when I look up I go two steps, the first on the dark wall then beyond that out of the frame. I would like to stop at the wall and showing a smaller portion of the BG I think would do it
So there you have it, my opinion and my reasoning.............still your shot buddy, you make the final call
