2004 RX8 w/ 92k km

Had a squeaky clutch pedal and couldn't get the car into 1st or reverse gear. I took it in to Mazda and had them replace the entire clutch pedal assembly. Had the car back for one day and the clutch pedal is squeaking again (when the car is on AND off), so I take it in again and they now say that I need a new clutch because the squeaking is the release bearing.

1. Are these issues difficult for a dealer to diagnose?
2. Can I continue to drive this car until the entire clutch goes (thus saving me some money (I was quoted 1700) in the meantime)?
3. Or do you even think that the dealership is right in their diagnosis? I'm calling bullshit because it squeaks even when the car is off.

Admittedly, I know nothing about mechanics, but I lurk here now and again and thought I'd ask you guys.