You should at least get your name down on a wait list at Manhattan. I know 3 people who've been given marching orders to go back home in the last month.
How about Ho's Villas in Stanley - 5 mins walk to Stanley, great pool and 100m from beach
We are in Pacific View and just renewed ~40k for a 3 bedroom. The benefits are many - great views, nice community, Stanley is close by.
We looked at a few other options - very few combinations of value for money in terms of size / facilities / community available. Mid-levels is very crowded and don't get a lot for your money (in the nicer buildings).
Me and my wife work in Central / mid-levels and don't mind the commute at all.
About Pacific View - make sure you live above the 6th floor level - otherwise the greenery around means a lot of mosquitoes come into the house.
The morning shuttle bus from PV takes about 20 mins to Wan Chai. Quarry Bay - I am unsure of.
Hope this helps.