[KTL]

I disagree that a clutch should never get too hot such that it gets "hot-spotted", but that its more common on the flywheel. The clutch friction surface (it is indeed a friction surface, it's just like one side of a brake rotor- the other side is the flywheel) acts no differently than the flywheel, other than it moves in/out. It still contacts the clutch disc just like the flywheel does and has the opportunity to get very hot if slippage occurs.

People who take their cars to the track and don't do a good job of matching RPM on downshifts can hot spot their clutch surface if they really abuse/slip the clutch.

I'm of the opinion that the clutch can be reused. Clutches can be rebuilt with a new friction surface/pressure plate, or the old surface can be lightly resurfaced similar to what is done with flywheels.

I agree $500 is a lot of money and if the clutch is in good condition, I see no reason not to reuse it. The Sachs clutches are really robust. The cast metal housings, be it iron or aluminum alloy, are really strong and the spring fingers are really durable.

I would agree that the release bearing is a good while you're in there because it is something that is always being loaded & spun, regardless of whether the clutch is being disengaged whether it is engaged/at rest.