The moving of the DRL to angular and sweeping does make it look like any other car on the road, the U shaped DRL really standout and the double U of the R are pretty signature, you can pick a MK 7 and an R coming at you miles off.
From all video seen of the new Golf the DRL look quite anonymous.
As for solid state environments, and understand the 'analogue' dials are still software driven, but they are still more tactile than just another screen. But do get it, and can see how some love the replacement screens over dials. Be more upset in losing the S3 dials as they are classy.
Have more of an issue with the touch free environment, as you can manipulate a function far more assured with a switch/dial than can by touch.
You have to think of the demographic to, my Father in Law recently purchased a Polo and he left the showroom with no instruction to the menu system and had no idea how to set the radio and completely baffled why the mini screen was showing him different options (he was inadvertently cycling them) He wanted to watch his overall consumption but had no confidence in navigating the menus which resolved by having him press the car button repeatedly to cycle the driving date and Blue Trainer.
Like gauges and switches, that look polished and 'clunk' positively, that tactile interaction brings a sense of togetherness with the car.
The new environments will def be more sterile and will close the gap fro lesser VAG brands as screens are screens at end of the day and the difference in interior quality will lessen dramatically.
Not sure about it all myself, can see myself going back to modern classics, and very glad that got my R when did seeing the facelift and maybe tempted to prolong keeping it if not like what seen in MK 8
