Can you not just use the dsg gearbox in tiptronic mode and just push it forward for changing up down for changing down . That way it should hold the gear you want 
Exactly. I think monkeyhanger must have had it in D and used the paddles to override without realising this only gives him 30 seconds of control before it returns to D. Or possibly his unit was faulty. The guy in the video Jimble posted makes the same mistake. He uses the paddles to override, but doesn't realise when the box has taken control again. Just shows even professionals can use it wrong if they aren't used to it. (EDIT: actually seems like he had it in S but tried to shift when the box had just made the shift anyway). For those of us who have ordered a DSG we're not likely to make that mistake because we're using the car everyday, not just a one off drive.
All the criticism of the DSG I have seen has fallen into one of two categories:
1) I prefer a manual transmission.
2) I'm using the DSG wrong.
Basically neither of these are actually criticisms. This isn't a criticism of the manual boys either. I completely understand how if you prefer a manual box and you test drive a DSG you're going to find it irritating. The problem is this results in a LOT of "DSG is bad" type of comments when really what they mean is "I don't like DSG" or "I used it wrong" (they probably didn't realise they used it wrong). Look at it this way, how many people get in a car for the first time and drive away without stalling? We all stall the first time. It would obviously be wrong to then say "I tried to pull away and the car just jerked and the engine cut out, I conclude cars are horrible to drive". So why do people conclude when they have a bad experience with a DSG that it is the DSGs fault? Clearly if it was really that bad it would never be sold. You have to learn to use it, and if you don't want to then that's ok, there is the manual box.
I also disagree with Gryzor's idea that a DSG should not be on a GTI. Clearly opinions will vary and I am certainly not advocating that the GTI should not have a manual. However, the whole car is full of new technology with advanced electronics... so why do people think its wrong for that to extend into the gearbox? Virtually every other part of the car has computerised electronics, from the engine to the rain sensors, it makes complete sense to update gearbox technology too. Furthermore the DSG is faster! Isn't that what you'd want on a GTI? Gotta remember the DSG was available on the GTI way before the rest of the Golf range. It was intended for this kind of car. This is of course my opinion.
So like I said, I can understand that some of us prefer a manual, there is nothing wrong with that, and I agree that manual should be the default option. Having a DSG options makes complete sense and for those of us that go in for that and learn to use it we can fully expect it to be a great bit of kit in all circumstances.
From what I remember, when you change manually (either via paddles or tiptronic) it hold the gear you want for a bit, but then selects the appropriate one for the speed you are doing. Don't quote me though, I'm sure owners on here will clarify!
Paddles yes. Manual (tiptronic mode) no (except for red line or stall).
