Is my '02 A4q an unusual piece of junk, or just a piece of junk?

[Jonathan Monetti]

I've been less than active on this list lately, and one of the reasons
outside of a busy life is I've been stewing about my A4Q (1.8t).  
 
Since buying the car in March '02, I've had many problems, far more than
with my 99.5.   Most of the below appeared after the first year and have
been fixed by the dealer, and a few, like the motor, have really become
annoying within the last few thousand miles (45k on the clock now) and I get
blank stares at the dealer. 
 
To keep this under ten scrolled pages, I'll try to bullet.  
 
-Radio died, had to be dealer reset (2X)
-Radio AM unit died and was fixed
-Recently the FM is tuned into the motor.  Not your typical
changing-pitch-with-revs sound, but it does change rate with revs.  
-Sunroof switch has failed twice.   
-Sunroof squeaks madly unless I keep the seal well lubed with silicone.
Dealer could not remedy. 
-Gas door actuator died.
-AC died/lost charge (2X) and the compressor has sounded like a wheezing
ferret for a long time.  AC cooling power has sucked since the car was new.
Dealer(s) say everything's fine. 
-Heat is flaky.  Sometimes just adequate, sometimes melts the change in your
pocket.  Dealer(s) say everything's fine. 
-The motor has gotten progressively rougher and louder at both idle and
revs, to the point that I can hear it idle from twenty feet and can often
hear the motor over the stereo while driving.  Sounds both mechanical and
exhaust. 
-Steering has become loose and light over the last 18 months, lots of bump
steer.  Dealer(s) say all is well. 
-Suspension has gotten plenty loud over the last few months.  Plenty of
muted thunks, especially from the rear.  Granted, dampers are probably worn,
but I never had this with my 99, and it sounds like worn bushings (at 40k
miles?!).  Another blank stare from dealer. 
-Interior squeaks & rattles (especially from the back seat) that rival Spike
Jones' band.  Especially miserable is the maddening squeak of unknown origin
from the front of the dash that comes and goes of its own accord. 
 
Some other little annoyances: 
-With normal use (actually, pretty careful/gentle use), both the cargo net
clips and the plastic floor mat insert rings/clip thingies have broken.  
-Shift knob is loose, and it don't seem to screw back on like the old cars!
(Do it?)
-Driver's side seat heater has become rather slow to warm. 
 
In general, I consider my '02 to be of significantly lower build quality
than my '99, and an order of magnitude below my '87 CGT (but I'm very
biased).  
 
I don't just post to whine (though I do feel better), rather to see how my
experience stacks up.  I've seen many recent posts on radio woes and sludge,
but I am looking for either general reactions or anecdotal feedback to the
above list of gripes.  Also to see if other dealers been responsive to
tracking down things that are not abjectly 'wrong' but significantly
diminish your enjoyment of and trust in the car.
 
My goal is to understand if I got a lime (not quite a lemon) or if this is
just life with an 21st century Audi.      
 
One thing is *almost* certain--this will probably be my last new Audi. 
 
Anyway, TIA for any input or similar experiences/remedies.  
 
Jonathan Monetti
'02 A4q 1.8t
'87.5 Coupe GT