As I started a "Thoughts on the GTD" thread, I just thought I would balance it by saying I personally think the "R" is a stunning machine (be it common or not), and I for one (if I had the money) would love to be driving one, as much as I also love my GTD.
The problem for me, is that whilst it's not a million miles away price wise from a stock GTD / GTD in price, I like my toys. Yes I know a lot of you just like a stock car, but in my middle aged years I think I've earned the right to have all the creature comforts I like. So for me it would be the following spec (similar spec if I ordered a GTI or a new GTD BTW).
A Golf R with 5 doors DSG, Lapis, Prets and some other nice toys, brings the price to nearly £39K vs £33.5k for a similarly specced (with 19" Santiago's) GTD. I'm not saying the "R" isn't worth it, it's just that even with the discounts available, unless I want to compromise on spec, I just can't afford one (and that's without Fuel / insurance prices as well).
Shame as I bet they are a real hoot !