BradleyMustang3:
I think your friend did not harm your clutch. The TO bearing is a wear item. Yes, it is unusual that the TOB would croak in 4500 miles but any mechanical part can fail prematurely. Is it a stock (Motorcraft) part or aftermarket? What about the clutch (what brand)? Although it's been a while since my last manual car (all before my '98GT), a bad TOB can be silenced sometimes with just a light touch on the pedal. Did you have the flywheel resurfaced when you put the new clutch in? I don't think a poor mating surface will cause a lot of noise but it can cause vibration.
Not much help, I'm afraid, but let's keep chipping away.
Chris