I do think MM error was indeed an error and not a win it or bin it decision. I don't think he was expecting VR to be on the line he was and it was just an unfortunate racing incident. Front wheel verses rear wheel is never gonna win. And looking at his reactions and disappointment afterwards, he knew he only had himself to blame.
Whether he did have anything left in the tyre, we'll never know. If he had, and he'd stayed the right way up, the last couple of laps would of been intense! But, what' if's and maybe's don't count for anything.
MM has now had 2 full seasons on a MotoGP bike (and won both of them), whereas CS hasn't ridden with the rest of the pack in that time (and not against MM). Although I would love to see Stoner battle it out with Marquez, I don't think it would happen (or be as close as we'd like to see) if Casey was only to return for a round or two.
But if he stuck around for three or four.....
This year is certainly shaping up to be a cracker.