Really?? You join up this month and this is your contribution??
The 'heavy lump' 2.0 TFSI engine thats in the S3 is the same engine in the golf (aside from a different turbo etc, depending on which model of golf I might add)
A "tuned up golf" as you put it is is now tuned vs stock, feel free to tune the S3 and then revisit that statement.
Weight difference between a Mk6 Golf Gti and a S3 is approx 135kg, mainly due to haldex system. Take a Golf R and its actually heavier (with the same engine yet again).
"Killed by other hot hatches" - I dont even know how to respond to that. What I will say is that each hot hatch has its merits and its downfalls. I can think of several hot hatches that would struggle to contend with an S3, additonally I can think of several which would return the exact opposite result in certain driving conditions. As an all rounder, I would consider the S3 to be one of the best, obviously a bias towards them, I bought one!
"i wouldnt be surprised if audi fade them out tbh now" - Yeah of course they will, because they're just not selling at all are they?? I mean the 8L didnt do very well either did it??