The Gti isn't designed to be thrashed about though, just because people do it doesn't mean it was designed too
It's like the leon cupra R. That was designed to go fast, big brakes loads of power. The Gti is comparable to the seat leon cupra. Sporty appearance, comfy ride, bit nippy.
I think the biggest down fall with the mk 4 was there was no gap in between the GTI and the R32. This mean't either feeling let down by the 'out the box' performance of the Gti, or dig deep for the all singing all dancing R32.
If VW had given the mk4 a decent ECU map from factory, it may have been a differant story. (ie people not expecting more than what they got)
Also saying putting a charger on the type R is all very well, but spend similar money on the golf and your knocking on similar doors too.
JMO Sam