From an objective point of view, having spent a good deal of time in an M3 and a GS.
The GS is sharp around the centre but lacking in feedback. This is a common trait to all Italian cars I’ve driven from 1980s up to 2010, from Fiats to Alfas to Maseratis. Only Ferraris are the exception. So while response is sharp, you don’t get quite the same fingertip feel about what’s going on mechanically through the steering wheel - up to a point. When you push it to 8/9/10, the steering comes alive again.
The standard E46 M3 is Direct but nowhere near as sharp; it feels heavier and though not quite ‘organic’ in the way its steering feedbacks info, you feel more confident pushing it to 6/7/8. I’ve found that when pushed beyond this point, the steering becomes a little lifeless and lacking feel. This is symptomatic of several German cars I’ve driven.
I do understand why those used to more Germanic steering might not appreciate Italian handling - the Italian method requires more faith (must be something to do with it being a Roman Catholic country) and it’s not as if most people will get to 8/9/10 on a test drive to get past that initial ‘fuzziness’ and ‘lightness’ Italian handling can have.
Just my observations from road testing both a lot. There is a third way, which is all to do with the M3 CS, CSL, Z4M steering rack. It transforms the M3 into a fine mixture of Italian dartiness and German directness. And they’re worth every penny...
If the MCV is as transformative over a GS, my word...