I have to change chains at 1800 miles if I want to keep the drivetrain in shape; I ride over gravel/clay/sand (sticky!) 8 miles a day so if there's any moisture on the ground, my chain is extremely dirty within 1 mile of my house even if it started out new.

I let it go too long about a year ago, and when I put the new chain on, it was skipping. I put the old chain back on again and rode it all summer, which was about 3000 more miles. I finally replaced the freewheel ($12) and chain ($4.50) 2 weeks ago. I'm oiling every 2 days in this weather; the chain was rusty and didn't bend on all the links within 48 hours of putting it on with factory lube; water, sand and road salt is hell.

Does FG really wear less, or does it just not matter if it wears? If I left my derailler bike in the same gear all the time, all the sprockets would wear along with the chain and it would be OK. Plus it's not possible for the chain to skip. Do you just let it wear, then replace all the sprockets at once? (actually, flip the sprockets over, go another X thousand miles, then replace them?)