There are thousands of things people use on chains for thousands of reasons. I use Blaster cable and chain lube. Spray on spin and wipe off (takes me maybe 60 seconds). I can ride days in the dry, rain, and salt ,dirt with no issues and no rust. Reapply and wipe off as needed. It can leave a tatoo. On excessive long dirty or crudy days I can pour water on the chain to get anything off of it and keep going. I've had the same experience you had in less than ideal conditions with silicone, wax, and dry lubes in the past. If dry road with no chance of rain I'd probably be happy as others are with wax. $4 at Walmart and Home Depot in my area.
