On the clutch issue mine doesnt engage till i release the pedal 3/4 of the way...
Did that with both clutches i had...seems normal to me.
Might want to check your secondaries....I remember when i first met you, my secondaries were not opening....i didn;t find out till this month when i took of my heads....and the secondaries were clean!!!!!

Anyways, let me know....your clutch might be slipping too...how many miles are on it????
Lupe