This thread is downright bizarre. The OP is adamant that this works, but having handled chains after soaking them in degreaser and letting them dry (ie a completely bone dry chain with no grit or lube inside of it) I can say for sure that the chain is far stiffer than when it is lubricated.
I for one have no problems keeping a chain both lubricated and clean. My chain is silver and it shows very little dirt because I clean it once it starts getting dirty. It's not a difficult process IMO