I had exactly the same history: started with the Microsoft trackball (guided by the fingers), and when that died, switched to the wired Logitech trackman (ball is under the thumb), and now that's unavailable so have the wireless one. Both trackmans work the same, but I'm stationary so prefer the wired version.
In the end, I prefer the ergonomics of the trackmans better because of the thumb ball. I even put a small bean bag under it so it is tilted backward and easier on the wrist (like my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard).
In the end, I prefer the ergonomics of the trackmans better because of the thumb ball. I even put a small bean bag under it so it is tilted backward and easier on the wrist (like my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard).