Hey Bryan,
The only time the clutch comes into play is while taking off. Unless the clutch is slipping really bad (and you'd hear the engine revving while trying to climb a hill), your problem is likely elsewhere.
As I've preached here a few times before, check the exhaust port on your cylinder. It is not a big deal to clean out (I've done it on my lunch break), and that was the main problem I had slowing down my QT.
david