time for a new clutch !

[Rocky_JS]

x2 comparing new vs worn, the fingers should draw in when tightened. but if the same result after bolting up then I would not proceed.

Bolt the PP up to the flywheel w/clutch, the fingers will drop down twards the center once everything is bolted together, If they still dont contact the throw out bearing properly then you have a problem.

 

[clifftt]

I bit the bullet and ordered a LUK clutch kit, picked it up the next day at my local Pepboys for about $120. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! You can clearly see how the LUK pressure plate fingers are just a tad longer and make better contact with the surface of the bearing. PLUS, the LUK bearing is on a cast iron sleeve, the Chinese one is mounted to a plastic sleeve.
Sorry Rockauto, the Chinese one is getting returned to you.
Unfortunately, the engine is still in the machine shop, and I've got a front suspension to overhaul, so I won't be able to report on this setup for a while. Hopefully I remember and will report back.