Is the throwout bearing hitting the 3 fingers square? You may need someone to help you to get them to step on clutch and see how bearing mates on the clutch fingers. Also is the throw out sitting in the fork completely. Is it possible the fork has been bent from the first problem? I've been driving stick almost 60 years, converted cars to stick and bought new stick cars and never had that problem. Also make sure fork is completely set in the bell housing clip. Strange problem, but if you check every thing carefully you'll solve the problem. Good luck and it is a time consuming process to replace the T.O. bearing.
