bad throw out bearing

so my throw out bearing is going out. i'm not getting terrible jolts when i push the clutch in yet but i can hear it rattling, especially at ~3200rpms. the clutch was new as of september 2004, arent clutches supposed to last longer than that? what would cause a throw out bearing to go out early? does it have something to do with the way i drive?

i got it quoted by my mechanic at almost $800 to get it fixed; if we do a new clutch while we're there, $1400 (if i remember right). they warranty their work for 2 years and allow customers to watch while they work. i know the owner of the shop personally and have seen alot of his customer's cars on the track so there's no question as to the quality of the work. do these prices sound right? i don't have the cash to drop right now to get it fixed and i'd rather not put it on credit. i'll have a little more play money in 2 or 3 weeks, would it even be wise to put it off that long?

also, is there anything i should look at upgrading/replacing while we have the tranny out?

thanks in advance!

i was told my throwout bearing was bad as well. (rattling noise at idle, but stops when i press the clutch). That was when i bought the car and ive been driving on it ever since. Havnt noticed it get any worse. Also, i dont notice any shifting problems...just the rattle, and only at idle. maybe i just cant hear it over the engine revs...

ive been putting it off until i do the clutch. is that risking catastrophy?

i just did tranny work and the stock throw out bearing seems to me like it's pretty solid. like it can take a lot of abuse. i bought a clutch kit from act and it came with a new one...the new one's fckin BEEFY! but i don't THINK u should have any problems. don't quote me though.

Jolts? that sounds like more than a throw out bearing