I wouldn't be hard on yourself regarding breaking the VDH, it's par for the course with their open architecture design.I am using mainly the Graham Phantom III on the TechDas. I used the vdHul Master Signature with success until I stupidly broke it and I am now using either a vdH Black Beauty , a Sumiko Palo Santos or a Kiseki Agatha Ruby when I want the full, vibrant and old fashioned drive of my younger days. The Kiseki goes in the SME 3012R.
I hope to get the vdH MS repaired back soon.