Agree, mines got plenty of life left after 11,000 miles.
On a side note, google chain monkey, great little tool that makes adjusting and checking tension really easy!
I guess you mean 'without' using your clutch! - this is a good skill to learn, fast seamless changes. When you want to change up apply a little pressure to the gear lever and then with the pressure applied, snap off the throttle and the lever will move up selecting the next gear, finally apply...