I like pic 1 and 3 best, FWIW. I haven't heard the GFS pickup, but if it performs as advertised that's the version I'd use. If it were me, I'd try it first, and go to one of the others if you don't like it.

I have a set of GFS lil'Punchers that are also advertised as "modern vintage" like the gold foils. I like them a lot. You could put a coil cut on on a push-pull pot or a microswitch to get the best of both worlds and see the veneer.... Just a thought ;-)