[Steve Tinker]

Before flatbedding, why not try manually bleeding the system? There seems to be a problem only with the last inch or so of pedal movement, no?

Its a pain to get a helper to press the clutch pedal after manually loosening the slave bleed nipple with the clear line attached, but you should have no air in the system now and if you are under the slave when your helper depresses the clutch, you can see its travel.
I'll bet once your helper has pushed the clutch down a couple of times with the nipple open, then holds it down while you tighten the nipple, you should have a functioning clutch.
But I have been known to be wrong before....