[RussMcB]

Sounds like good progress, at least.

While under my car recently I noticed my clutch slave cylinder. It looks original and old. I wondered if it might be a good idea to change it. I'm glad to hear it's not a big job.

I also noticed the bleed valve was on the bottom, and wondered if it should be bench bled, and then maybe bled again after the hose is attached, but with the slave cylinder loose so it could be moved around by hand to get the bubbles near the bleed valve.

I suppose you are thinking that a new clutch plate is needed. That reminds me of something I saw while watching an IMSA sports car race on TV a long time ago. A prototype team's clutch was slipping, so they brought the car into the pits and poured a can of Coke (or Pepsi) into the bell housing. I can't remember if it helped or not, but that's something I'll probably never forget. Whooda thought?

Good luck with your next steps.