Every road car is compromised though Ian, for different market requirements and more importantly, because of cost restrictions. If you'd rather have a better handling car, and are OK with the risks of hitting kerbs when you park, then lowering your car is hardly a sin. The problem is people spend too little on aftermarket suspension, so in effect just make their cars worse despite their intentions. Spend a decent amount and you can have a better handling car that looks better and even rides better than OEM.
Anyway, i don't like that the first TT has its wheels sitting under the arches. Perhaps i spend too much time in the JDM thread, but the wider wheel / low offset combo gives cars a much more aggressive look. The TT looks like its suspension has collapsed in comparison. IMO.
I also don't see the fuss in the second TT, which appears to be' uniquely' coloured in the same way as an RAC van. About as slab-sided as one too...