“Through the frame”-a positive or a negative?

Comments viewing via crossview.

The upper image is quite effective (IMO). The pure color background is also effective in helping fuse the image.

There is a somewhat disturbing "alignment error" with the top tip of leaf (note the distance difference between the upper part of the frame and the leaf tip between views).

I do not object to elements projecting through the frame, as long as these elements do not intersect the the frame (the pure color background also assists with this). I find it enhances the realism.

"Similars" here (crossview):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbguy/8198153175/in/photostream/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbguy/10433249724/in/photostream/lightbox/

The second image was obtained without using a traditional camera. Can you guess what I used??

Do you mind pointing out the misaligment in "Holly in the Snow"? I cannot detect much. Here's some "proof" with parallel red horizontal lines:

...and here's yours:

Obvious difference. Can you not see it?

As for any horizontal displacements, that's the real essence of streophotography!  No horizontal disparity? No 3D!

The second image ("Floating") was done with a common flatbed scanner (with the top open), moving the leaf carefully sideways between scans.

I gave proof of the obvious vertical disparity in your example image, and also gave proof of the lack of vertical disparities in my example.

Vertical disparities are examples of mis-alignment (IMO). They are to be avoided. They can cause viewer eye-strain and detract from the "stereo effect". You noted that my example was "easy on the eyes"...no? Your example is easy, as well...except for one area I noted.

Horizontal disparities are required to produce stereopsis. These are not mis-alignments, but are the very basis of stereophotography. Disparities at the sides of my example have been adjusted with care and intent, to place the z-position of the frame at the level of the snow, with the Holly projecting "through the frame". I can place the frame in any z-position, WRT the internal elements. This placement is, to a degree, a matter of taste.

We may have to agree to disagree.

Can you adjust your example to remove that vertical disparity?

I can...but I produce a "window violation" at that spot...