Yours truly is definitely more in favor of the first group and all of its variations , because they are more grim, filthy and realistic.
There's also religious fervour cheekily in place, with Paco's army the Apostles and Polack their Jesus, so it's no surprise that religious imagery is placed within.
Corbucci is not known for any serious films and that this turned out to be one is maybe something of an accident - but there is no mistake about it, many scenes reveal the true nature of this film and especially the end, which is nothing less than gripping.