My clutch and trans is factory original with 280,000+ miles on it... I'm pretty sure that if I didn't use the clutch all the time I'd have trans problems, but as it is, the only "problem" I have is a little bit of side-to-side slop in the stick (just enough that you can feel it wiggle), but I'm guessing that's just because it's got a lot of wear.

In response to your comment as to why it is ok, it's only ok if you can hit the RPM's right and get it to synch, otherwise it will grind... and grinding isn't usually a happy sound...