Originally Posted by dmhenderson

Verdict: The original flywheel was defective.

Clutch, clutch housing and flywheel all replaced under warranty (and they mounted the replacement left-front splash guard I had dinged up for free so I don't have to wallow around on my garage floor).

Clutch is stickier and more responsive than it was when I bought the car.

First time I've ever had a dealership really bend over backwards to make me happy. Too bad the loaner they gave me was a Toyota Corolla.

Case closed.