Brahms Opus 116-2, Ossia

[dorfmouse]

The second section of this A min Intermezzo has an ossia, an alternative playing of the treble line. I've been learning the normal line, but the ossia is technically much easier and musically has a more obvious melody line.

My questions are;
Did Brahms have a preference for one or the other, or are they true alternatives (maybe he couldn't make up his mind!)
Which version is more frequently heard in performance?

Thanks, anyone.

[dorfmouse]

Oh, well, I went to town today and found a yummy selection of CDs of Op 116 to 119 to listen to.
It seems that everybody  who's anybody plays the hard bit. 
But they do play it a bit like me!