New Clutch.....Problems

if you had trouble inserting the trans, it is possible to "hang" the transmission from the splines before it is inserted completely in the pilot bushing. All that weight and that huge lever arm can put a hurt on the hub. If this happens the clutch disk hub can get bent.
Have you made sure you have the correct throw out bearing, and that it is turning smoothly. I used to love Borg Warner Power Brute throw out bearings. Don't know if they still sell them.
I agree that the picture looks like the lever height is too low. could be an optical illusion.