Ideas to stop chain's rear side plates drying out?

[joebloggs]

Engine oil every time. Just sold a bike that had been sat (in a shed) for about 8 years, moved once or twice at the most, coated in engine oil and never had a tight spot when it went.
Not a case of money, oil is the best lube full stop. How much lube is left in a fancy tin after taking out the propellant, sticky substance that adheres  the gunk to the chain, wheels, underside of tail piece, leathers etc etc
A clean rag, a length of cardboard, some protective gloves and oil and you can sort your chain in under a min. (Bike on center stand, soaked rag wrapped around the chain and turn the wheel  (by hand of course) Cardboard catches the drips.
Stop waisting your money, even if you are a Jersey Bean