After doing some spirited driving my clutch becomes soft and more effort than usual is required to get into gear. I also noticed that the grab point seems to get a little lower (might be in my head).

With 97,000 miles on the original clutch I figured it might be time to get a new one.

I know a slipping clutch means it's time to replace it, but what about the behavior above?

 

When's the last time you changed out your clutch fluid? I'm trying to remember if Subie uses brake fluid for the clutch or something else...

If this is happening during/after your spirited runs, this could be a sign of boiling (but doubtful) or more likely air in the clutch hydraulic system.

Or I am totally off my rocker, but worth asking and checking out...

 

It's regular brake fluid in the clutch cylinder, and my vote's for old fluid and/or air too. Bleeding it and new fluid ought fix it.

 

To my knowledge, I don't recall specifically having the the clutch fluid changed unless it's included in major services.

I've had all major services done on the car (30k ,60k, 90k). Just had the 90k service done recently and they inspected the clutch fluid, assembly and hydraulic system and they said there is nothing wrong with it.

I wonder if it might be worth changing the clutch fluid before pulling the trigger on a new clutch.

 

Bleeding clutch fluid: $

Changing clutch: $$$

I think the answer is pretty obvious.

 

My thoughts exactly.