Simple initial question, with a cable clutch is the thrust bearing supposed to touch the clutch plate fingers all the time and therefore rotate with the engine, or is it supposed to sit a number of mm away from the fingers when the clutch is not pressed.

Adjust the cable so that the clutch pedal has a small amount of play, approx 19mm ,before it starts to compress the clutch .Another way is to adjust the cable so there is 2 to3 mm play on the clutch arm where the cable attaches

Thrust bearing touches the fingers, the play described is simple take up of clutch pedal movement and some cable flex

So the thrust bearing spins at the same speed as the engine rotates.