Maybe the difference is from the older marks with hydraulic steering-racks compared the electric ones we have now... I know some of the 'reporter drivers' seemed to feel the difference.
The mark 7 he favours also has an electric steering rack.
The electric racks have fewer turns lock to lock than the old hydraulic ones. Neither of my Mk1 & 2 GTi's had Power assistance.
I own a Mk7 CS, but from memory I thought the steering on a mk5 Ed30 was marginally better?
I would need to try them back to back to be sure, I think that is what surprised Sutcliffe most, I wonder what order he actually drove the cars in?
Did the mk5 not also have electric power steering? I prefer the mk5 ed30 for steering feel, I think it just has less electrical input than the mk7, just average suspension though. The mk7 has better suspension but too much electric input in the steering, but it's too be expected with any car with steering modes.
Was moving a Triumph TR6 the other week, with retrofitted power steering that kept cutting out. Let's just say it was a real workout when there was zero 
I think the MK5 GTI had hydraulic steering? Regardless, it certainly had more feel than the 7/7.5's set up.
There are ways to avoid a numb electric set up. Mazda MX5, for example, puts the electric steering motor on a supplementary shaft, not the main steering rack shaft, which results in much better steering feel. Best of both hydraulic and electric systems.
I found that Sutcliffe video very interesting. He is no newbie, having been around for a long time - and without doubt he knows his stuff. I would put a lot of value in his judgements. Certainly everything he had to say in that video accords with my experiences of Golfs Mk 1, 5 and 7. Haven't driven an 8 yet, but hopefully soon.
