never mind
person who installed the clutch pedal (not me) didn't put the bolt that attaches the pedal to the plunger thing in. which explains the lack of pressure - the "plunger" (vocab is lacking atm) was only getting pushed 1-2cm when the pedal was right to the floor.
will fix it and see what happens
Good idea, and smack the pedal installer up side of the head and (unless it's you) never let them forget how they let you down on this otherwise fine day.