rather than acknowledgement vs rather than an acknowledgement

Some examples from the web:

• It is true that we heard a rather timid acknowledgement of the importance of relieving the debt burden on the poorest countries, but no more than that.
• The acknowledgement of the qualification of "original" to certain prints rather than to others does not imply any evaluation of an ethical nature, but is intended to constitute solely a definition for the purposes of art history.
• Essentially it advocates policy continuity rather than innovation and change.
• Rather than living in disgrace I ponder harakiri.
• The product reflects despair of Fatah rather than love of Hamas.
• European society was traditionally structured by estate rather than by socioeconomic class.
• Do not befriend disbelievers rather than believers.
• That would certainly shorten rather than extend their lifespan.
• Our legal status is therefore international rather than constitutional.
• Goals rather than creeds should unify religionists.
• The second fundamental issue is political rather than institutional.
• Parasites are killed through contact rather than by systemic exposure.
• Some will be million euro - rather than dollar - questions.
• We exercise trust rather than mistrust.
• Compliance and innovation must become complementary rather than conflicting processes.
• I would have gladly rather than talk.
• The accent is on quality rather than efficiency.
• May peace rather than excitement become your ambition.
• Initially it was used for clothing rather than writing material.
• Its sectorial division would follow institutional rather than class definitions.

Some examples from the web:

• It is true that we heard a rather timid acknowledgement of the importance of relieving the debt burden on the poorest countries, but no more than that.
• whereas in its replies to the observations of the Court of Auditors, the European Central Bank stated that the extraordinary bonus was merely an acknowledgement of, rather than a compensation for, the high number of extra hours worked by EMI staff;
• The acknowledgement of the qualification of "original" to certain prints rather than to others does not imply any evaluation of an ethical nature, but is intended to constitute solely a definition for the purposes of art history.
• I suppose that's an acknowledgement of sorts.
• Simply an acknowledgement that I was right.
• Chirac described an acknowledgement of the genocide as a precondition for future EU membership.
• However I have still not received even an acknowledgement of my complaints.
• hand delivery certified by an acknowledgement of receipt.
• In this case the trader should provide an acknowledgement of receipt
• The results are returned immediately in the form of an acknowledgement.
• An acknowledgement from the bureau for my work.
• I'll have to make sure I give you an acknowledgement, Mr...
• It's like an acknowledgement to a whole other generation...
• The report is partially an acknowledgement of the importance of national parliaments.
• An acknowledgement shall not be returned whilst co-ordination is outstanding.
• An acknowledgement and celebration of your tremendous achievement.
• CEPOL shall send an acknowledgement of receipt to the applicants.
• Just talking about an acknowledgement for the team.
• It's an acknowledgement that we ourselves are in need and sinful.
• By the way there came an acknowledgement from the abbey three days ago.