as of double-clutching not necessary.... well, I keep on hearing both sides of arguement and I can't really be sure... so I just do it anyways..... you get used to it in such a short time so why not?

Unless you drive a big rig truck or drive a pre-1950s car, double clutching is totally unnecessary! There is no "both sides of the argument" if you drive a car built within the last 30 years. Also, try it in a race and you lose big time because all the wasted time shifting gears.
As for driving a clutch, practice makes perfect (except for my wife . My brother taught me in a parking lot when I was 13 and I've been at it for 25 years/18 cars.

 

works from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4rth

 

i shift at the redline

-crumple zones are your friend