No symptoms.. it was just not looking as un-spikey as compared to a new one. Perhaps it's not as bad as I think. The section i photo'd might be the ramped part for shifting.

I measured my chain and it is 12" center to center so it is not worn out either. cassette cogs are still nicely squared off on top

tomorrow it will get a good scrubbing since i feel bad my chain looks so grunged up.