The RS3 didn't get much love from the media from new so that might explain it, they prefer the ditch finding 1M because they must all live in sunny climates where it never rains, or maybe not... It's the same story with the A45 AMG and even the newest 911 Turbo - they are 4WD so supposedly they lack the engagement of manual RWD equivalents.
The latest S3 looks a great car, sub 5s 0-60, 12s to 100 but take a look at evo magazine this month and they say the S3 is "safe, rapid and desirable...but it still doesn't feel like a proper hot hatch", just another fast Audi is another quote I've seen (as if this is a bad thing). Oh and they like the latest Golf GTi, which might please Vorhees
, but it still doesn't beat the Megane 265.
You are right that there is more chat about the the S3 on here as you might expect as there are far more of them and they've been around longer. There are a few RS3 owners on this and other sites but of the 750 sold it's probably less than 50 online.
There isn't much point in an RS3 vs S3 debate, both are great for the mostly wet and bumpy roads I drive and I'd be happy in either. It does surprise me that despite the same 216 bhp ton figure for the RS3 (4.2s - 60) and S3 (4.9s - 60) with S-tronic there is such difference in 0-60/100 times.
S3 Alex is far better placed to comment on big power. Both the TTRS and RS3 are easy (£650ish) to get to 400bhp and sub 4s - 60, and about 9s 100 which is part of the appeal. Oh and there is that small matter of 2.5, 5 pot sound if rallying has any appeal.