Funny you should mention a VW steering damper. I have tried one and, on mine at least, it didn't make any discernable difference, but as it is an easy job, and they aren't too expensive, give it a go and see if you have a better result.
Re. the toe, a small voice in the back of my head, is saying that it should be 2mm of toe out per side, not degrees, hopefully someone will be along in a minute to correct me. I am currently experimenting with a paralell setup, it is certainly no worse, but there isn't an improvement either, but at least my front tyres will last longer.
