2) That you actually have less grip - not having the full width of the tyre in contact with the road will do that... especially in the wet or snow...
I'm going to be totally honest here. I've been very surprised at how easily the front wheels have been spinning up in these damp/cold conditions. I've owned powerful cars (various TVR, M, RS products etc), so I like to think I'm fairly versed at how to get the power down on FWD/RWD/AWD cars, each needing their own driving style, but i've been surprised at how easy the Golf has been losing traction.
Back in 2010 I owned a R56 Factory John Cooper Works Mini, and that never struggled like the Golf does.
I'm going to take a few PSI out of my tyres to see how that effects things.