Yep, it's definitive. Luckily I had downloaded the Golf 7 Maintenence manual from the Erwin website, and on page 92 guess what....
Removing blocking pieces on piston rod
– Relieve weight on coil springs by raising vehicle with a hoist.
– Slide suspension strut protective sleeve -arrow- upwards.
– Push visible blocking piece -arrow- off piston rod.
– Slightly press in bellows to sense the remaining blocking pieces. Slide them downwards on piston rod towards shock absorber cap using the folds of the bellows.
– Push remaining blocking pieces off piston rod.
WARNING
On the front axle 3 blocking pieces are installed on each side.
Slide suspension strut protective sleeve -arrow- upwards.
On the front axle 3 blocking pieces are installed on each side
Push visible blocking piece -arrow- off piston rod
Slightly press in bellows to sense the remaining blocking pieces. Slide them downwards on piston rod towards shock absorber cap using the folds of the bellows
Push remaining blocking pieces off piston rod.
And the photo they publish is these blocks, so deffo remove them guys.