Get a rolling aerator or just fork it for fun (teehee). Anyone living in a subdivision (I have no idea if you do or not), quickly learns the base dirt pad for all nee subdivisions is clay. I have this on good authority from a general contractor who puts them in. Even his mother’s house was not spared the dirt curse of clay.
Discussion
Seems like it will be easier just to go the no till route and build up on top
Yes. It would. That layer is dense and intense. Erosion control will be your only issue with a soul build on top. I am sure you have addressed this tho.
