Clutch freeplay all the way down?

replace it its the only way its a wearable part that requires replacement just like your brakes

No, you push the clutch all the way in to disengage the gear you are using from the drive train, and then you engage the next gear you want to use and re-engage that gear to the drive train.

It could be a few things you might need to grease the gears down at the bell housing, You might need a new clutch, or there's a lot of play on the pedal there's a screw on the top of the pedal or...

This is a safety feature.

check under the dash. look at where the cable attaches to the pedal, just towards the firewall there should be a bracket that is tack welded on. your cable sheath actually is held in place by this...