Hi again,
When I carried out a full fluid flush on my Touareg transmission, during the process of topping up, not until the correct level was achieved, it seemed as if reverse gear was catching for a few seconds and then releasing. It was not making any noises though but the car shook.
Perhaps you could check the ATF level and asses its condition. It might be that the fluid level is low or that the ATF needs replacing.
I have had a look at SSP466 that deals with the 8speed touareg transmission, and there are solenoids and band brakes that operate, both in 2nd and 8th gear. So, do you feel anything odd in 2nd gear?
With regards to the transmission breakage.... On the contrary, I would doubt that it could not lead to a major repair...
Is not there a tansmission specialist in your area? Sometimes they are quite helpful, as they are the ones that repair the transmissions, not the VW dealer. It might even be a matter of replacing the valve body or a solenoid...