Ah yeah I'm also partial to the "Less is more" mantra and mindset, but on the other hand I would have found it to be a bit of a menial task to have my composer due an absolute 1:1 conversion/used the original tracks.
Tricky balance to be sure, and I have no doubt other musicians could have taken the same melody, and not resorted to adding extra layers. Though the amiga/euro chippy nature to many a GB chiptune rendition/remix can indeed be quite a marmite style thing, some love it, some hate it.
But aye, we learn as we go and try and be a bit better each time. Upwards, onwards, and beyond to the next demake!