An update, if anyone interested or can offer technical advice-
despite my initial scepticism, I do wonder if the technician is right- the clutch does feel a little heavy. I'm really not sure how this would account for the problem I have- cold start reverse and first gear selection- and neither is the technician.
VW warranty conditions covers clutches for 6 months or 6,500 miles. I have emailed customer services insisting they properly investigate and rectify the problem- and if the clutch is faulty they must replace at no cost to me.
A car driven normally should not have a clutch fail at around 8k, whatever the warranty terms.