All clutches are crap. Whichever form it might be. Which is why I'm wondering why it hasn't been done away with even in the era of mild hybrids ⁉️ The ISG takes care of stalling speeds and torque pulses are ironed out electronically. This way the torque converter/planetary gears required to pair the ICE to the CVT can be avoided. Paving the way for direct drive CVT which would be less expensive and more efficient.
Yes, Toyota uses a separate fixed ratio, toothed gear to start before leaving to the CVT. They call it the Direct Shift. This is however unable to eliminate the torque converter which the ISG from a mild hybrid can. ISG takes care of stalling speeds whereby allowing the ICE to be paired directly to the CVT. Torque pulses can be ironed out electronically. Direct Drive CVT will be economical & efficient.