I can't really grasp why you would want the clutch to engage so soon?
Imagine you're stationary at a light, and the car that comes up behind you isn't paying enough attention. He doesn't completely smash you, but ends up giving you a good bump. And if you're holding the clutch in at that moment, then any slight movement will throw the bike into gear and shot off.
Also, how are you supposed to "play" with the clutch now when taking a right or left when leaving an intersection?
This is just yet another example to as why I'm convinced that driving in the US is a death trap. There is so much vital info and practice that you never see with those drivers courses that you have.
When leaving a intersection you're not supposed to have the clutch fully engaged. This is to "hold the bike back" so that you don't end up in oncoming traffic when turning to the right, or in the ditch when turning to the left.