The first coin is not AT at all. It is completely consistent with known toning patterns. It is unusual, and will not appeal to everyone - but it appears completely natural. This type of toning is often seen with an end-of-roll toner, or one that has been stored with tissue paper. The progression and shades of colors all appear correct, and I have absolutely no problem calling this one NT. It isn't my preferred look, so I wouldn't buy it myself - but sometimes we confuse "I'm not familiar with that" or "I don't like that" with "it must be artificial." The second one is gorgeous, and much more the commonly seen style of toning. I have absolutely no questions about the naturalness of this toning. I think the other thing compounding the confusion is the style of photography here. The photographs are taken in a very vibrant style. I hesitate to say that they are "juiced," but I'll wager the coins don't "pop" quite so much in hand. If you saw these coins in hand, I think the colors would be more subdued (especially on the first one).
Coming from you, I have to stop and carefully consider your points, so I will. You are a careful and accurate numismatic scholar and if we disagree there's a good chance I'm wrong. The propagation of the color and vibrancy don't bother me at all; they were just effectively imaged. I used the term "garish" for the placement of color, nothing else. I just have trouble seeing the first and a roll-end toner. Which leads to yet another question - is roll-end toning always NT?
I was going to inquire as to how or why a coin would tone on one side but not the other. It makes sense that an 'end of roll' coin would have that happen. I think that toned Morgans are extremely beautiful but I sent one to PCGS and it was sent back to me as not a gradable coin. I, to say the least, was not happy.
I avoid using absolutes like "always," because there is always an exception. I have absolutely seen AT'd coins that attempted to simulate end roll toning. Usually (at least the ones I've seen) have not been terribly convincing. End Roll toning is characterised by wild, random patterns. This makes sense, since the paper of the roll is crumpled and folded against the coin. Some people like them because they are each unique - you'll never see two the same. Here are a few others to compare (these have all been certified by NGC or PCGS).
Before I got to physics comments, I immediately thought.... roll end toning. I'm happy to see someone saw the same. Although I like B far more, I would say A is NT. I am surprised A sold for that much. Both nice coins though. Thanks for posting!