All caps is yelling. Not sure why you think it isnt.
If there weren't issues on install I still have doubts that the pilot is too tight. If it is, it's a conclusiom to reach by order of elimination to get to that conclusion. Not assume it's all bad and pull the Trans to check.
This was my point that it needed to be done. Yet, None of the three points you had in all caps re iterated to check that it is releasing or not. Troubleshoot it first.
Why pull the Trans when you don't know it needs to be done yet without first confirming the linkage is working, or not. Can't troubleshoot linkage issues with the transmission on the ground.
These early As have issues like this. Torque shafts weren't as strong. Welds break, some crack. Clutch forks wear out. Pivot brackets crack. Ball stud brackets crack. Ball studs wear out.
Every item circled has gone bad and needed to be replaced on my early A in the last 15 years. Most except for the boot effect the symptoms described by the OP.
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