clutch EASIER to push down on when the car is running. So the fact that you actually feel pressure when the car is on is opposite of what you would feel if it was bad. I had a similar issue where there was a hole in the booster tank and with the car running I had a horrible idle but also the clutch was heavier because it wasnt sealed and assisting me.
Also the slave only moves the fork like an inch normally so its not made to really move it inches. Did you follow the FAQ write up of how to adjust the clutch it could be possible you turned the shaft the wrong way, causing it not to work properly (I dont know off the top of my head which way does what).
"Do you guys put the key in "balls down", or up?" -BobbyT 10:28:19 03/06/09