Sample 1 with the lighter background as least as dark as lighter gray on Lite Welcome Screen. (Easier on eyes.)
Sample 2.
Sample 1 is still a little too dark. Feels a bit claustrophobic.
Sample 3 looks good with the current wallpapers, as most seem to have light blue in them. It wouldn't work as well if you were to change the wallpapers though.
Sample 2's a good middle ground with the neutral colours and it looks very professional IMO.
Thank you for your feedback so far, valuable

I can't see the difference from sample 3 or 3 both very shape
Sample 3 is the easiest on my eyes, but I like sample 2 as well.
Playing around in gimp some, not sure this looks good at all. But feedback is always cool. I just never wanted to go with a solid bg...