Pajero NP Did clutch shudder

Hi all
Have a 2003 NP Did with manual trans. Started to have trouble with the clutch around about the time, in hindsight, the hot weather started (Pt Hedland). It became very difficult to get a smooth takeoff. Tried all sorts of methods and revs. Nearly always shudders on takeoff. Got to the stage where clutch wouldn't disengage. Every time I drove a 100 or more k's, if I stopped, couldnt get back into gear.
To cut a long story short, turns out that the air con water pipe drips water directly onto the top of the bellhousing. I'm told that the water gets inside through the inspection plate, causing the pressure plate and clutch plate to rust together.
At the last service the pipe was lengthened to direct the water away and have had no problem since.
However, and this is the point of this whole query, I am still finding it almost impossible to get a smooth takeoff.
Any techo boffins out there have an opinion on whether permanent damage has been done to the clutch or pressure plate etc?
And wondering if any other Paj owners have had similar problems?

Regards
Russell