The only reasonable conclusion you can draw from the two studies linked is that vitamin D supplementation to increase serum levels does not significantly prevent CVD. I could just as easily hypothesize that the physical activity required to go outside both increases serum vitamin D and lowers CVD risk.

Just to be clear, I agree with your thought that sun exposure probably carries benefits beyond an increase in serum vitamin D based on anecdotal experience... I supplement vitamin D rigorously, but being in the sun just makes me feel better