Piney, you gave 2 separate recipes right?
Meaning, you didn't mean to tell him to brine and then to inject right? Only to either use the brine method or the injection method, at least that is what I am assuming, just like to make sure for clarification.
PotatoC, I have tried many different brines but my own personal preference was always to do a simple brine of salt and sugar, maybe a little garlic or bay leaf or maybe not, but to brine it and then let most all of the flavor come from the smoke, or whatever other cooking method I am using. Possibly a rub after brining, possibly not, I think the flavor of the smoke is most important and most desirable.
Since you want to try something different there are so many options it would be easier to help with recipes if we knew sort of what you were looking for.
How about a citrus brine?
Maybe a more savory or spicy flavor?
Sweet? Apple juice and brown suagr are good.
Water, salt, a little tequilla, lime and some red pepper make a nice "Mexican" flavored brine.
There are so many brine recipes out there...