The whole idea of not lubricating chains is ridiculous, according to this mechanical engineer. Anyone with any brains should know that a metal to metal interface without lube will wear much faster that one with some lubrication of any sort.
Bike chains are in no way protected or shielded from road grit, so any lube will become contaminated with grit in a few hundred miles or less. Lubes with low viscosity will work their way out of the chain rather quickly. Wiping the exterior reduces the mess, but wiped or not, the chain will end up dry, rusty, noisy and wearing quickly if you don't keep it lubed.
To the OP, do you have any idea how to measure chain wear?