Flywheel surfaced - is there a thickness concern?

No, only ground the business side. The more I think about it, the more it appears that it would just be a clutch adjustment issue.
I ruined a new clutch by a bad adjustment. the free play in the pedal isn't the way to adjust I have found. Drop the inspection cover down below and adjust the gap between the throw out bearing face and the pressure plate fingers. As long as there is clearance (like 1/8-3/16") all is good. Cycle the pedal ad check it again.