well you might as well take the plunge and get an intercooler, something as simple as the S3 cooler would be sufficient
You dont have to have your settings maxed out anyway. I think you wont be losing longevity tbh.
....Just two words why I won't be moving to Stage 2+ (for now at least): Clutch Packs! - I'm on DSG and the torque would get up'd.
The DSG can handle way more power than you would have at 2+ Robin, lots of ED 30 boys with DSG have gone down this route and i cant think of one with clutch problems. Hurdy tried to beat his DSG with a baseball bat and it was mostly working perfectly.
Just my opinion Robin, but you dont drive anywhere near the capabilities of you engine as it is, not many people do unless you are on track, if you went 2+ it would only get used for numbers on the dyno days.
Stage 2 is more than enough for your needs. IMO.