I dont think this is related to the DMF recall issue, but you never know. Basically when driving for a long time in slow stop/start traffic sometimes (but not all the time) when you lift off the clutch pedal to advance forward I get a slight groaning sound as I lift off the clutch pedal. No judder or anything, and once you are rolling and fully off the clutch the noise is gone. Doesnt do it any other time, and seems to be related to when the clutch is heated up nicely in traffic.

Clutch does not slip, there is no judder or any other noises with the clutch engaged.

Any thoughts?

Thrust bearing?

Ive got that noise too (2 litre TDI/05 plate) Can be quite loud sometimes. I must book the car in and get it looked at.

Might be a dry release bearing. One little tip I was shown years ago was to "bump start" the car on a downhill gradient letting the clutch in slowly, if there was a squeaky noise as the clutch engaged then the bearing is dry. I think that this test still applies today to more modern vehicles.

I didn't get symptoms like that when my DMF died, so I would guess you are right on that.

Have you checked to make sure there is no plastic rubbing around the peddle as I had that on an old car and only discovered it by chance.

I very much doubt it is this from your description, but a nice easy one to check before paying somebody.