I love the idea of the leading line in the railing, but it just doesn't work well for me. The whole concept of it? Great, but the gray/light rail then the dark fence/rail in front of the statue kind of make it funky. I like your conversion overall. Because of the flop of the leading line I too want the top of the arch and not the step.
I'd like a TOUCH more contrast personally, but it's not bad by any means. It just doesn't quite feel like there is any WHITE white or deep black besides in the fence.