Well VW UK have told me that they will not offer any Goodwill support on the basis that a release bearing is wear and tear. Car is less than 4 year old, Full VW service history, only 21K.
My personal opinion is that this is not wear and tear, and that this bearing is not fit for purpose.
VW can shove my future business up their arse and their dealer network will never get a penny from me again. (their service was also crap... had to chase them 4 times for a response)
My trusted indy will be getting this job as usual.