[dcb]

the other efficiency technique is simply to time the stoplights/obstructions so you don't have to get the car moving from a dead stop, which is where most all the clutch wear happens.

I was paying more attention to my clutch technique, and it seems that I basically give the throttle a slight (educated) blip, and as I quickly engage the clutch I'm quickly lifting off the gas, so I wind up at about 5mph with the clutch fully engaged and the throttle near the idle throttle position in short order, at which point I get on the gas.

Imagine how long your brakes would last if you only had to bring the car to a complete stop from 5mph? Same deal in reverse here for the clutch. Take "don't ride the clutch" seriously.