Yes, the highway speeds are silly in some places- especially where lighter traffic due to COVID has encouraged the racer crowd. I avoid the NJTP route, mostly because of how high the tolls have gotten, not to mention NJ drivers (sorry NJ). Even the Mass Pike has crazy speeds once you get past 90/95. 73mph is slower than some people, but it's often the same speed I'm going in the MkIV, so it's also a decent comparison.
My numbers are always pen and paper.
The MFD in my Mk7 is usually about 4-5mpg off, the one in (her) Mk7 is about 5-6mpg off. Her car gets better FE (pen and paper), but I'm not sure exactly why. The 16" wheels and lower weight of the GSW S may help, but I also think it's because we did the initial engine break-in for her car (but not mine). The CRUA will never best the ALH, but I'm continually surprised. It wasn't until her car hit 20,000 miles and consistently returned 44-48mpg per fillup that I started seriously considering getting one. It suffers more in city driving than the MkIV, but I know highway will generally see 44-47.