Hi mate,
No worries on the crash its fine!
In regards to gear box i was looking at the older Massers in those i believe the Auto (Stick) was a little smooth for people, and most liked the aggressive nature of the MC Shift (Buttons), when i test drove it was great but in traffic and small moves it was a bit of a task have to admit.
So in the one i just brought is an ZF auto (no clutch wear to worry about) and has been tweaked some what with the MC Auto Shift software. So effectively you get a smooth transmission for those days you just want to cruise and then in sport manual a quicker changing more sporty gear box. You do still have a stick.
I think my personal choice was in the 2013 and on models the ZF Auto is more than exciting enough so the MC Shifts do seem to be fairly rare in these newer models.
As you will see on all the discussions, the advice is DRIVE BOTH and make your personal choice.
Lovely example i spotted that yesterday, same interior as the one i'm picking up on Tuesday!