So here's a long overdue update: I took the car in and they pulled the transmission. Couldn't figure out the issue and finally decided to just give me a replacement transmission. The tech at the dealership claims to inform me that I could be damaging the throw out bearing due to my "driving technique". When I'm decelerating I downshift and gently let the clutch out. He told me I need to blip the throttle because otherwise I am damaging my transmission. I know professional drivers due this, but I have had standards my whole life and never had an issue like this.

So long story short, they gave me a new transmission. Well it's now been a little over 6 months and the noise just returned... I'm at a loss. This is car is in great shape. I don't beat on it and take really good care of it so I'm dumb-founded by the issues.

About ready to ditch it and get a BMW.