When I first owned my Aston, I would sometimes smell the clutch, seems to be common but does not create any significant wear, as long as it's only "very seldom". After I start my car and get ready to back up my inclined driveway, I just ease the clutch out and don't use any gas. There's enough RPM already to take the car back-up. With all of that said, always use your hand-brake while stopped on a hill waiting to start. Then coordinate (1) gradually release the hand-brake (2) apply a little gas and (3) feel the clutch friction-zone as you release the clutch and release the hand-brake together. It's kinda' like rubbing your stomach while patting your head, but with a little practice you'll become expert.