Not an expert in clutches but I try my best not to "clutch in" for the whole time when the light is red. Commom sense tells me if I engage it for the full 2-4mins, I will shorten the life of the spring?? also makes your left foot ache like hell..
What I do is to look at the lights to the right or left and once I see the "red" come on, I engage 1st and within 2 sec, the light turns green and I go.
If you cant see the lights, you may also try to look out for the pedestrian crossings, once the "dont walk" is on chances are next few seconds your light will go green.
works for me all the time...