I have the same situation with my 38 Master only not as severe. I had a spare new pressure plate and disc so when I pulled the transmission, I put the new set in. I had to go to the end of the adjustment to be able to work the clutch. When it is cold, there is no problem but after a drive it can sometimes grind a little going into first or reverse. I have the transmission out right now and I am going to put the original pressure plate back in again. I am not going to try and solve the mystery other than mentioning that the two pressure plates look identical sitting side by side.
