Q: If mind uploading becomes possible, won't any information that I collect for a brain clone be wasted?
A: Like all complicated copies, a mind upload will not be perfect. The information for your brain clone will be invaluable in correcting copy errors and restoring memories that you have forgotten. And if mind uploading produces multiple potential emulations, test data will be invaluable for selecting one copy.
Q: Why do use "brain clone" when it really isn't a clone of the brains neural pathways?
A: Because "brain doppelganger" sounded too creepy.
Q: Are we close to being able to convincingly mimic a person?
A: Yes, but only if by close means 10-30 years. And there is always Hofstadter's Law to consider. However, the pace of progress has been remarkable in just the last few years, which is very encouraging.
Q: What if my brain clone decides that it doesn't want to mimic me anymore?
A: What a cool problem. That is way beyond the simple mimicry that we are attempting.
Q: The training data can't include all of my experiences, so isn't a true brain clone impossible?
A: Yes, we only aspire to a resemblance.