weird thing happened to me last week. I was at a resturant(*bar) with a buddy of mine with my bike chained out front. When i came out a few hours later the lock was hanging on the top tube, bike still where i parked it, with a single link in pieces right under it. I was way more confused than anything. but my chain is 2 links shorter now.... ... ...?

Likely someone trying to "tach you a lesson" or show that they had "power" over your belongings.
It's like those kids back in the early 90-'s that would use exploits to gain access to remote machines and then email the admins that they did it, kind of a power trip.
that's just what I think though

Perhaps your chain was too long.

the part i laugh at most is, who just happens to have a pair of bolt cutters with them

Probably the thief cut his way through before he realized he didn't want your bike. Or someone/thing scared him off.

Ummmmmmmm What chain/lock was this?

I'm really happy for you that it was still there. I wasn't as fortunate as you. Now the lock I have is overkill due to me being scared to lose another one.

Sounds like someone did you a favour by making it really obvious that you need a better lock!

Someone was stealing your bike and was surprised by another person. So they gave up and left.

Or maybe that's just what they want you to think...insert eerie music here.

If it was anything besdies a krypto chain, the cheapo knockoff ones can be owned by a bolt cutter in about 10s.

My thoughts as well. Otherwise, why would the chain lock be hanging from the top tube?

I am a bit leery of leaving my bike on its lonesome. There is no lock going to stop some weasel who really wants your bike. I am not sure why your chain was cut and the bike left but it is a cheap lesson.

consider it a cheap lesson.
it could have been much worse

Was there another bike parked adjacent to yours? Could you have inadvertently chained your bike to someone else's?

Weird. Time to get something better. What kind of chain do you have?

Just get a Krypto U-Lock and call it a day.

the bike was locked to a pole, by itself with a fat length of hardware chain and master lock. i wouldnt think of locking my other bikes with anything but a U-lock. i use this chain with my daily beater so i can get creative with were i can lock up..... but ill reconsider

Hardware chain and a Master Lock??? Is your beater worth so little?

Hardware store chain, ah. No one cut it, it was just shedding.