We did get the clutch and flywheel - thanks for packing them well.
So we have done a cursory inspection (competition does the full inspection and they make the final decisions ultimately) and unfortunately I don't see a lot wrong with the clutch and flywheel.
There are some very slight hot spots/glazing on the center of the annulus of the flywheel and pressure plate as well as the disc. But that is usually the result of an incomplete break-in. I will have them check for flatness of the friction surfaces to make sure it isn't a machining issue.
Ultimately I fear they will point to this as a cause for sticking/strange release: there is no lubrication on the splines of the clutch disc - step 2 of the instructions dictates that you need to put a thin film of grease on the input shaft and clutch disc splines, and a failure to do so can cause a "sticking" clutch or an uneven release point.
Again, I'm not the final answer on this, I will send it to them to make a final determination, but I want to prepare you that they may not accept this as a warranty claim.
I understand that this isn't your fault, especially since you did not install the clutch as it was done by a third party.But in these situations the customer can become stuck in the middle with the installer claiming a faulty product and the manufacturer claiming a faulty install. That's why we always recommend purchasing our product from the installer instead of bringing it to one that may be unfamiliar with the product.
I will keep this moving forward and will let you know what competition says when they inspect the clutch.