Yes - it's very easy (and usually a mistake) to blame the clutch, when it is not the culprit. There are several easy tests out there to rule-out the clutch that involve taking off and/or driving in different gears under different loads (e.g. slow, uphill, downshifts, etc. - should be able to find some on You Tube). The "parts replacers" that pose as Techs and are happy to take your money often just sell you the replacement job rather than do a thorough diagnosis. Dealerships are notorious for this, then when you return a few miles later with the same problems they usually tell you that the now working part caused some other compromised part downstream to fail, and Ta Da! another part needs replacing! The best service you can get from Car Max is probably a wash and amateur detail. The entire shifter mechanism and linkage is a Rube Goldberg contraption that does everything the hard way with junk for parts. A DIY test drive using clutch testing methods will probably exonerate your clutch. Most Techs at Chrysler and MBZ dealerships get thrown by the bastard off-spring of the ill-fated marriage if they are willing to test it at all. Flush and fill the clutch slave cylinder and lines. Renew the transmission gear oil. Replace your bushings (or even shift more slowly and precisely) and I think your problem with improve. You can also remove the shifter boots from above and clean and lightly lube the ball and socket connections. Check your shifter assembly mounting screws too, as they sometimes loosen up and cause later and vertical slop. The shifter assembly and bushings are usually the culprits. Once you pull the mechanism and see the rods, connectors, and bushings you will see why.