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A. Correct. Even normal use will eventually wear out the clutch though. It is a wear item. Generally, a clutch should last a minimum of 150k with normal street driving. Sometimes more. My Impreza L Wagon's clutch made it close to 170 before it went, and it was accelerated by a cracked shift fork which caused it to drag every time I shifted.
B. There's technically nothing wrong with just pushing the clutch in, coming to a stop, and putting it into first and going. But, there are advantages to downshifting. First off, even if you don't let the clutch back out, it's easier to row down through the gears than to go 6-1. At a stop, the high gears become more difficult to get out of, and as you downshift the shaft speeds in the transmission are naturally going to closer to what you want when you shift into first.
Downshifting and engine braking to a stop, under normal traffic conditions, can really reduce the amount of brake you have to use around town. Which will make your pads last longer, especially if you're running track/street combo type pads that wear things more quickly. I also like to practice revmatching and heel toe shifts as I drive around town. It can be a real challenge to pull off a smooth heel toe at a slow pace.
I shift to neutral at red lights and quickly put it into first right before I think it's going to turn green. Usually on the yellow for the opposing traffic. It's mostly personal preference, but I tend to believe that your throw out bearing will last longer if you're not holding the clutch down for extended periods of time.
Hope that helps.
Nathan
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