Seems an odd comparison to make it been the softtop and from reading the thread I think if it had been thd hardtop more people would say yes.
I've had our Leon since new and also have a Mk6 GTI for the past 3 years, I actually prefer the Leon as an everyday car.
Would I change my Leon for a ragtop R? No.
Would I change my Leon for a golf mk6 R? No actually I wouldn't.
Would I change my Leon for a golf mk6 GTD or mk7 GTD? No but that would be a harder choice to make.
The
mk2 Leon is the reason I bought a mk6 golf I just don't like the Mr potato head looks of the mk2. The mk3 is much nicer but I think somethings they got wrong with it looks wise, rear light size etc but they did a better job of it than VW did with the mk7 imo as I'm not a fan of the mk7 front beak or small slanty rear lights.