without VCDS, is there any way to sharpen 'throttle' response without changing DSG upshift points (tends to hold on to gears too long in Sports Mode) - Kodiaq RS

No.

Pedal Box? DTUK do 2 varieties could be worth looking at. 

Yes of course, forgot about it.

But almost  for the same money you can get 3 VIN VCDS

https://www.ilexa.co.uk/shop/VCDS-VAG-COM/VCDS-HEX-V2-Ent3VIN

3 minutes ago, linni said:

Yes of course, forgot about it.

But almost  for the same money you can get 3 VIN VCDS

https://www.ilexa.co.uk/shop/VCDS-VAG-COM/VCDS-HEX-V2-Ent3VIN

linni, you’ve done so many km in your RS. don’t have this problem yet?

 

https://streamable.com/6u6cy

No, nothing.

Works like charm. 66 200 km done now.

7 minutes ago, linni said:

No, nothing.

Works like charm. 66 200 km done now.

 

do you leave the engine idling to cool down after uphill driving, or power down immediately?

Power down of course. Nowadays the engines are smart enough to cool the turbo down if necessary even with ignition off.