I just used the "syncro-match"

haggomyeggo

im not really trying to match the revs. You would do the same thing in a large truck to slow it down without overwhelming the brakes. i just go from 4th to 3rd and let the clutch out smoothly, not giving it any gas and it slows the car down smoothly and i dont have to sit there riding the clutch. its called engine braking in driving a big truck. or at least thats what they called it when i got my CDL.

also i have heard (not saying it is true) but if you leave a manual car in gear and let it coast with your foot off the gas the engine does not use any gas. This doesnt seem completely logical but it probably uses slightly less than putting the car in N and coasting up to a stop. Safer to if you need to use power to avoid an accident or something

drove 94k on a stock clutch in a 350z never a problem.
so not sure what you mean about "hope your clutch lasts".......