[nize]

i used to do this (push the clutch and leave it in gear) until one day the clutch wouldn't work.

i found out that one of the prongs (there are two prongs) on the fork-lever that pushes the throwout bearing had bent. the mechanic said it was probably due to excess stress. i think it might have been all those times i had the clutch depressed while in gear waiting at traffic lights.

maybe it was just an isolated incident that happened to me, but i play it on the safe side now and leave it in neutral unless i'm in gear.