starting issues in 1996 runner

let's start this by my saying i'm not a diy fixer of my runner. i'm an 83 year old woman with a wonderful 1996, 5 speed (yes, i still shift...) that is my baby. i posted not too long ago about having issues with my clutch/starter mechanism. am still having issues, and before i go to the last place that worked on my runner (my mechanic of 30 years retired...), i want to be as knowledgeable as possible, cause i don't really trust them after getting a new battery and alternator (not even sure i needed both) and $800 out of my pocket. they also replaced my power steering, cause when it went, i had no choice, for $1100, and it now makes a bit of noise when i turn, which may be fluid, which shouldn't be leaking if they did a good job replacing the pump.... but the starter stuff...first indication of problem, wouldn't engage the starter when i put in the clutch. figured out i could use the "bypass" or whatever it's called, used when you need to push or jump start, i think? but that worked. lately i've noticed that i can also get it to start by just trying the normal way multiple times till the starter "comes to life". all of this only happens when the runner is cold, like overnight, and not always then. once i get it going, will be fine rest of the day. SO......is it the relay on the clutch? on the "bypass"? or the starter? my fear is that this place i've used in past for above repairs will suggest all 3 are bad and i think that's highly unlikely. so i need to be smart when i talk to them, or just keep driving as is, which i've been doing for months.....suggestions please? thanks to all of you. just curious, do the newer runners still have the "put the clutch in to start"? for those few sticks they still make...please reply to my email at ellen7117@mail.com cause i don't spend much time on this site. other that to write waaaaaaaaaaaay too long questions!