I've been a lot happier since i quit worrying about my chain. I used to fuss with all sorts of ways to clean it, most of them tedious and few of them successful. I decided to quit the messing with it. Unless i get it wet or very muddy, i generally just wipe it down with a rag occasionally and relube.

I haven't noticed an difference in chain wear and if anything i think they might be lasting longer since i quit lubing so often. I know they aren't as dirty as they used to be.