I did buy an engine bar and removed the axles. I did not remove the cups and paid the price for that, dicking with it 10 minutes longer than I needed until I took the passenger's side axle cup out.
When the trans came out, I saw this. Clearly I have a clutch problem!
Turns out the rivets are clear sheared off. They are not worn down or touched anything. Have you guys seen anything like this before?
I bought a replacement sent at AutoZone which looks makedly different, with bigger rivets. Overall not a bad job, but I can't say I like FWD cars. The grease in the cups made a mess. I am not good keeping clean. Haha.
Thanks for all the help so far, I'll keep you posted. I'll probably continue next weekend if I can't find a couple evenings to finish it off.