Apologies for late post - I don't watch this topic as much as I used to!
The answer to your question is YES - a clutch change will cure the problem. Question is, where and what type? - the answer to 'where' is up to you, but avoid places like quack*it and garages that know nothing about Mazda's. You could ask for a (more expensive) Mazda replacement, or any good aftermarket Japanese made clutch that fits, you don't need a heavy duty or race type clutch assy. There is no such thing as a Mazda heavy duty clutch, though Mazdaspeed might fit them to specials.
As for skimming the flywheel, that depends what the mechanic sees when the flywheel becomes visible, it could be heavily coated with clutch facing material, or just odd spots, the lighter deposits can be sanded off (known practice) but heavy deposits may need a skim on a lathe.
Makes sure that a new thrust bearing is fitted, and any oil seals that look a bit 'iffy'. Be warned - a Mazda dealer will charge you upwards of £380, more if they can, so give serious thought to where you finish up.
I have to assume that some owners who replied to this thread were not in the Club between 2002 and 2004 - when intensive reports and success - or lack of it - were daily subjects. It took four fixes from Mazda before club members had a satisfactory replacement, so anyone who had one only missed out on the next three! The fourth replacement (the 'E' type plate) was the one that finally worked, and Mazda began fitting this from 2004 onwards to production cars. However, my mechanic friend (Mark Fryer at Freelance Mazda) was fitting Jap aftermarket clutches well before this, and with equal success, so some of us were whistling dixie while we insisted on a warranty replacement. In 2004 Mazda reverted to the original guarantee of 9,000 miles or one year for both brake pads and clutch plates. I have mixed feelings about this, but seeing as Mazda had a world wide problem, I guess I can sympathise with their motives - the saga must have cost them dearly.
All credit is due to Mazda UK and Mazda NE for finally having the guts to sort this out, but the solution was only known to contributors of this forum at that time, we even told the Yanks that the problem was solved, but I don't think they paid much attention to what we said. The light came on eventually!
Five is Alive 2002 Mk2.5 Sport, with added Mazda body kit, 15 inch Rota Circuit 8 with Toyos, rescued wood rim steering wheel from a crashed Arizona. Air intake mods to come (one day!) Hard Dog Deuce rollbar. and HT (permanent fixture!) - Its still a sportscar.