I've learned to love revving the car out, that helps.
I came from a Stage 2 MK6 (VW CC) and it was fairly heavy on low end torque so I understand what you're "missing", but the top end speed makes up for all of it haha
I am still adjusting to the linear power delivery of the R. Coming from a Stg2 WRX where there was a little lag and them a huge surge of torque, the R tends to feel slower around town. Even if it's going faster. I think that will change after going stg2 on the R.
in a way the turbo size and torque curve between the GTI and the R is a similar situation as the WRX and STI. At low speeds the smaller turbo on the slower car feels faster until you look at the speed.