sounds good. if you look in the forced induction classifieds there is usually a new set of VR rods or pistons for sale for a good price.
oem VW keepers are dual groove, they usually hold well. exhaust valves on the 1.8ts are known to break. i got extremely lucky because if a valve dropped, good bye EVERYTHING. people have even had Supertech single groover keeper failures. when it comes time to do valvetrain, Ferrera all the way, i dont care if they are 35 a valve instead of 20. its worth it to me.