Clutch operation - can't get my head around it!

[syncrodoug]

Can some please explain how the release bearing stands off from the pressure plate fingers when the clutch is engaged - pedal up.
As I understand it, when the transmission is split from the engine and hydraulic line to master cylinder is disconnected the return spring in the slave cylinder pushes the piston to its maximum stroke and so pushes the release bearing forward - towards the pressure plate.. When you re-assemble transmission to engine I assume the release bearing is pushed back - it comes in to contact with the pressure plate fingers -as you 'close' the gap between transmissin and engine.
So at this point, before the hydraulics are hooked up and bled, the release bearing is in contact with the fingers or is this where I'm going wrong.
The 'free play' at the pedal is meant to give this gap between release bearing and fingers but I'm at a loss to understand how?
Enlightenment gratefully received.
Doug

[bigherb]

There's no freeplay between the release bearing and the fingers it's a constant contact bearing. The free play on the pedal is to make sure the master cylinder piston fully retracts and opens the port to the fluid reservoir which allows residual pressure in the line to escape.

[syncrodoug]

Ah, there's me thinking that there must be a clearance - so the release bearing is rotating with the clutch pressure plate continually.
I was under the impression that the release bearing only came into intimate contact with the fingers of the pressure plate when your left foot pressed the pedal.
Many thanks
Doug