I knida like the 5th one of your first post. You've picked a very difficult subject to shoot, that is straight into the sun. It also looks like you've zoomed in on a couple.
I think you've reached the limit of the lens in regards to flare. On a small format like 35mm (I assume you're using a digital SLR?), it's tough to get these shots. It works a lot better with larger formats - you get less flare on the lens. How are you with a view camera?
Were you using a lens with image stabilization / vibration reduction?
What do you think of them?