HTupolev

The area where the pins roll is where chain "lengthen" with use, but it's because the pins wear, not because lubricant gets forced out.

I mostly don't recommend degreasing chains, but that's because chains with dry lubricants don't get very dirty, and wet lubricants generally do a pretty good job of cleaning themselves (not perfect, but good enough that it won't matter much after ten minutes into the next ride). Stripping a chain on a routine basis just isn't very useful.

You jest, but modern chain designs often are directional.​​ Getting a chain backwards on an 11-speed drivetrain can significantly affect shift quality.