First off, Thanks. Looks like there is a bit of extra free play before pedal touches black plunger button. I'll adjust to hopefully buy some time and not grind gears once or twice a day. Further investigation seems to confirm T/O bearing will need to be replaced. And with the labor to get to it - seems a full clutch replace is in order. Can we machine the flywheel, or is it a remove and replace? I would like it lightened a bit. But it still needs to be a reliable daily driver.
Can you resurface the oem flywheel? Yes. Would I? No. Go with the URD lightweight steel flywheel and stage 2 or higher clutch. Best way to eliminate the T/O noise nowadays is the clutch masters hydraulic release bearing.
Again, I agree with NHXRUNNER. Lightweight STEEL is the key. Lightweight ALUMINUM will never be my preference for daily driving after having that setup in my '94 Celica ST Turbo.