It's gotten worse - I actually lubed the chain yesterday when I got home. The noise was killing me.
Actually, after spending money on bikes and bike stuff almost obsessively in the last 18 months, I am now in a mode of economy. Part of that is, for instance, keeping the chain lubed and somewhat clean so I ain't replacing the chain and cassette any more often than I have to. Gotta save enough gas to afford those Ortlieb panniers, which is about 8 weeks of 5 day a week commuting. Having fun making the economy game out of it.
And I am exploring further this "clean" concept, and will actually wash the bike again before the year is over...