Ishy, I wasn't trying to say forget the clutch just that you shouldn't over use it. I always have it covered but don't use it unless I have to and like you say there is no quicker way to stop drive than grabbing the thing when it starts going wrong.
Colly, practice letting the bike slow right down to a near stop without using the clutch. You'll be amazed at how a trials engine will pick up again on throttle from what you thought was a stall speed. Once you get confidence in not stalling you will use it in section and gain a good advantage.