i could have sworn that this gap was normal. if i remember correctly, my gti had it with stock, h&r race, and 20th anniversary springs, all with new upper strut bushings and bearings. nothing was loose, it just looks weird due to the gap. i'll have to check my tdi to compare.
EDIT: The more I think of it, my GTI with 20th anniversary springs and NO SPACER had no gap.