I preferred the rotoscoping, but maybe that's just me. I have a very low threshold when it comes to watching abstract animations, because it's very rare that I am moved in any way by abstract shapes. So I quickly move attention to the technical stuff -- how well it moves, choice of colours or patterns, etc. Unfortunately the abstract films were monochome, which made them dull straight away, and, with no narrative, the movement was insufficiently interesting.
The rotoscoping has potential, but I think you have to bring something to the party. Just tracing "likelike" movements does not in itself make for interesting animation. With rotoscoped figures, for example, there is little or no sensation of weight when they move. Some exaggeration is usually necessary. Do a web search for Keith Lango -- he's done some excellent tutorials on figures, weight and movement. They are for 3D, but the lessons are universal...
Hope this helps...
J
You can't have everything. Where would you put it?