I'm not discounting the issues that some have had with the DSG (all the various versions), I have had the mechatronic replaced on both our GTI and the R so I know the DSG isn't what it should be although in the case of the GTI I had it replaced by VW as I was about to sell it and VW and the dealer were fantastic with that replacement and with the R, had a false neutral or two in the first few thousand km's and the dealer got it replaced without question.
However, after 50,000 km with the R, the DSG has been faultless since.
Perfectly smooth when I drive like a granny (when the mother in law is in the car), including creeping in traffic and fast shifting and smooth when driven more aggressively.
In D mode, shifts are just right and not shifting up early like many seem to get in their cars. After the mech replacement that changed for the better and has been like that ever since.
In S mode (where I spend a bit of time on the freeway), shifts have tamed down a bit and don't hold a gear too long. Pretty much ideal for freeway usage and cruise control.
Paddle and stick shifts work just perfect, alone or in combination.
Happy camper.