STL_Z_Seller

This might sound silly...but is there ANY way for me as an inexperienced manual driver to find out whether or not I'm "improperly" using the clutch? I've never had anyone tell me I'm doing bad things (like riding my foot on the clutch while I drive)...but the mechanic told me I was messing up the clutch, and that it was my fault that it was making a LOUD annoying rattling noise when the clutch is not engaged (like in neutral @ a light)...he adjusted the pedal, but I still hear the annoying rattle when it's idling in neutral. Also...there's a weird vibrating kind of rattle when you start the car. Almost sounds like the cat. conv. cover, but they can't replicate the noise @ the dealer.

Should I be in line pushing for a new tranny? How do I keep from getting screwed, by them telling me that I'm messing the tranny up (when so many others are having problems)?????