Clutch Replacement Expense on SW1 & SW2

I just spoke to the shop manager at a Saturn dealer here in town
(Columbus, OH) and he said that SW1 & 2 clutches are very durable but
extremely expensive to replace. He said that "you need to take the
transmission apart" and quoted something like $1,300 for the job!

Is this really a typical price for clutch replacement? How about when
done by a good independent mechanic?

Had anybody had experience doing the job themself?

Does anybody know if the same applies for a LS1 or LW1?

Thanks,

Mike