Im just confused. The gearbox top up isn't a major issue. Its fiddly unless you take out the boot floor. If its the driveshaft seals on back order...really? As mentioned before its either the seal or the rollpin leaking..if it is coming from that area. Alternatively (unlikely) is leaking from the filler plug. The gearstick 'breaking' isn't a major issue, its a simple fix to replace it whether its a decent used item or a new one sourced. More worryingly though I want to know what suspension is about to drop off... I don't think your having major issues Steve, just some niggles early on. If youd blown a hole in the side of your block, that would be major..
As were all helpful guys here, if you want one of us to pop down and visit the car in the workshop and see exactly whats going on with you Im sure it would answer all your questions and speed things along nicely..