Stock is your baseline. Regardless if you think the stock wheels are not appropriate, it is reality and you have to have a baseline to compare to. Also, the majority of people doing wheel changes are doing plus 1 or 2, and the options are very limited for lightweight wheels. Neuspeed RS series wheels are the only wheels I am aware of less than $500/each at 18lbs in plus sizes; the OZ Ultraleggas are 18.6lbs at $300/each. Fliks are lightweight but only come in 35mm offset, though a few have used. Volks doesn't have the proper offset that I have been able to find. Myself, I am leaning towards the Neuspeed RS10s.
If people want to put 28lb wheels on their Mkv, let them. People are willing to sacrifice performance for style.
Update your profile, if you have a GTI, it gives you more credibility with regards to MKVs.