My initial response would be "Of course the chain has the right number of links. I checked it a couple of times!" (Measure twice. Cut once.)

However, the thought has crossed my mind that maybe I miscounted. Even tho I'm fairly certain I recounted the number of links 2 or 3 times, my own second guessing and your "poking" makes me think it might be time to do another recount. When I cut the new chain down to size, I both compared length (accounting for chain stretch) and link count. For my own peace of mind, I will check again.

Thanks for the nudge...