You seem to be hung up on something that is a little off. Because this "$8k" figure is crazy. That is VW list price for EVERYTHING in the fuel system, which is crazy but if they are footing the bill (which they will) they don't care. Unlike bankrupt GM, VAG isn't hurting for money (they are actually buying up even more companies.... the Ducati motorcycle is the latest).
The HPFP is a $1200 part, and if the fuel system is cleaned properly, nothing else but the filter really NEEDS to be changed. It is a CYA thing, that's all.
And as soon as the aftermarket gets ahead of these, the HPFP will probably be more like $700, and for anyone REALLY worried, they can just proactively replace it at 120k with the belt if you are really that paranoid.
I've seen and examined, a few times, every single part that was replaced in one of these scenarios. Much of the stuff, like the pipes, the fuel rail, the filter cannister, etc. is overboard and totally unnecessary, so back the $8k failtrain up a bit.
I am in no way saying there is no issue here, not at all. But the Sky Is Falling crowd really need to find a hobby and move on with your lives. Seems lately every thread on this site that is at all related to 2009+ cars inevitably becomes another HPFP thread, and then we have clowns that feel the need to start yet ANOTHER thread about how they got scared and sold their car. Nuts, it really is. I am happy you sold it, just be happier if you went, too. Festivus Syndrome.