its certainly a lot easier to change the whole compressor, vs the clutch swap, the clutch is a real pita if you dont have the right tools and have not done it before.

you may even be able to work out a deal with a local shop to vac your system, hold it for ya, and refill when you are done. they can re use your old refrigerant, and pump it back into your a/c, after you swap the compressor or clutch.