I have noticed the same problem on my V70. I am wondering if it is the clutch pedal spring. The "dead" feel is at the top of release on mine too, which is at the end of the spring's range and after the clutch is fully engaged. Volvo apparently redesigned this spring and issued a TSB to replace the clutch pedal auxiliary spring to make the clutch pedal smoother. The new spring is supposed to be progressive so that it is provides different spring rates at different points in the range. I'm going to have it looked at during my next service since I'm still under warranty. However, it doesn't look like a big job. It looks like you just have to take off the tray under the dashboard, take off the old spring (not sure how difficult this is), lube the new one, and install the new one. Hope this helps.