new drive chain, more questions!

In theory the front sprocket is easy to change. You need to remove the engine cover, that means removing the shift lever, left footpeg and starter cover. Now your sprocket is clearly visible, flatten the lockwasher, put on a big socket and remove the nut. This is when the "in theory easy to remove" comes in, the nut can be anywhere from finger tight to 300 ft/lb tight. Once you get the sprocket off a 1 tooth change should not require a different length of chain. I should change my "all chains come with a masterlink" to every chain I've ever seen has come with a masterlink. In my mind if it doesn't come with a masterlink it must be one of those great deals,(otherwise known as a Chinese POS). How in the World do they expect you to use a chain without a masterlink? I suspect different brands of chain have slightly different diameter pins ect, "brand A" masterlink is not a good idea to use with a "brand B" chain.