Original poster should know she is not the only one. It says a lot that the replies include a variety of “tricks” and that there is no one obvious technique. I have done the task at least a hundred times by now and it has never been easy. By now I know that the job will get done, but just not that easy. For anyone who finds it simple, good for you.

Use a work stand. Get the work up to eye level. If you can have it at eye level while sitting on a chair or stool even better.

On my own bikes I have had modern snap link chains only twice. Both of those chains broke. At the snap link. Those installations were done by very senior mechanics, guys who are routinely consulted by parts manufacturers, guys with multiple patents to their credit. Neither was surprised by the failures. Both said the failure rate for these parts is acceptable but that no method ever had a zero failure rate. I never had any other chain failures in my 400,000 miles.

If you really dislike the modern method old chains made for riveted pins can still be found. Old stock. You won’t be able to use the old stock with 10, 11, 12, or 13 cog cassettes.