I honestly can't tell you from personal experience, as my cresties are getting here Tuesday.

I figure that gentle handling is fine as long as it isn't being dangled by its tail. Also, if they do drop their tail it isn't the end of the world. The function just as well but look a little more.... er..... stubby.
I figure that they're like any new animal and the first few weeks or so of handling it, you're absolutely terrified of hurting it, but eventually you get used to them.