I had a manual 3200 Assetto Corsa, followed by the 4200 cc which I love to bits, and have just acquired the automatic QP from Emblem so have experienced all three types. It's early days yet but thus far the QP is brilliant; it is beautifully made, has huge presence, and the auto is fine although I haven't played with the paddles yet.
IMHO Maseratis simply don't get the recognition they deserve but that benefits folk like me who would probably not afford one if it wore a prancing horse rather than a trident.
My recommendation would be to go for the auto in a QP. It drives nicely, the auto suits a QP well, and I suspect that enthusiastic driving would soon get through a clutch. After that it's all about condition and history as we all lknow.
PH