Dino pressure plate failure X 2

I just pulled the clutch from my Dino for the third time. once for burning up the clutch when i first got the Dino, I loved to hear the engine sing and cruise slowly while feathering the clutch (won't do that again!!) and twice for a failed pressure plate. The pressure/friction plate has three sets of straps that support the plate to the housing one of the sets has failed each time. ( at times of extreme demand, high RPM shifting ). The manufacturer of the first set was Valeo and the second Borg/Beck ( B/B seemed more substantial). Any experience like this out there. I'm treating the Dino gently compared to what I put my '76 280Z through and never had such issues. Has any one sent the plates out for upgrading? are there race clutch sets for 246's?

Also, even though I pulled the clutch I can't get 2nd gear to release (it was engaded rather vigourously while clutch was on its way out), please someone tell me it is something simple.

Zannos