yeah, a nickel is about right, honda book says 10-20mm but thats at the end of the lever and theres no good way to measure that, if a nickel fits, you are good to go, good call usmc !!! i forgot about that one, i am so used to just knowing by sight and feel, but a nickel is about what 2-3mm right ? sounds good to me...
red n black, if your clutch wasnt slipping, youre prob fine man, just adjust it right, please LUBE the crap out of the cable and lever pivot point, hell LUBE every pivot point on your bike as often as you can, you will save ALOT of money in the long run !!!
best of luck bud !!!