This a common failure?

I found a descent amount of oil on the tranny/bell housing on the bottom as well as some surrounding parts, I tend to lose more oil than I should too yet no blue clouds or signs of excessive consumption...

clutch doesn't seem damaged (yet) if the rear main is indeed leaking

 

yep, happens quite often. The rubber becomes old and starts leaking. It's good to change that seal when you replace the clutch.
pentaq

 

hopefully i can just change the seal and go on with life right?

think it leaks quite a bit under load?

 

just to thow this in here i have a 5th gen and the oil pan gasket a small rubber piece is right by the bell housing and could fail and make you think it is the rear main

just a suggestion but i bet it is the rear main