I haven't used the paddles much, really. It's a familiarity thing, I think. To me, changing gear means a clutch and a gear-stick, and I'm not used to the idea of just pressing a button.
Still. I've been taking a narrow, winding country road to avoid road works this week. The DSG isn't completely satisfactory on that. I tried putting it in S instead of D, but that wasn't what I wanted either. This morning, after reading this thread last night, I put it in manual and used the paddles. That did it. Held the gear I knew it should be in (because I can see what's ahead and the DSG box can't), and I didn't even need to take my hands off the wheel.
I need to remember about the stick-shift capability for when the paddles are out of reach. Again it's practice - so much of the time it's just fine leaving it in D, so extended practice doesn't tend to happen.
I still find it slightly jerky compared to a manual with the possibility of slipping the clutch, but it's not a problem - I'm capable of being just as jerky with a manual if I'm not paying 100% attention. The advantages massively outweight the advantages.
I think the DSG is the future, really. When young drivers start to learn on them, and don't get used to a manual clutch, there won't even be an argument.
Rolfe.
