...Although if someone were to insist to me that they wanted to just run their drivetrains into the ground (which is what you appear to do), I'd recommend either track ends or horizontal dropouts as a tensioning method. The magic gear ratio requires much more frequent replacement of chains (which you hate), and chain tensioners on vertical dropouts will allow the chain to jump teeth eventually when the chain and chainrings are worn out.


ALSO: It may be useful to note that you are looking to find the best way to run your system of running unlubed chains and simply wearing out your drivetrain until it becomes unusable. I say this because if someone finds this thread in a future search, they should be given the context of this discussion and the recommendations presented in it.