Originally Posted by Pepsi

Is / was there any metallic fragments within the that old, black, lube paste (goop)? Looks a bit like it from here.

From your 1st picture, however, your chain looks brand new. There appears to be no dirt on any of the links (other than pick-up from the front sprocket 'goop bath'), or between the plates and there doesn't appear to be any fresh lube either.

Your 4th and 5th shots show what appears to be the outside edges ( outside as the chain rotates around the sprocket) of the chain having been chamfered off compared to the inner edges. Those shots look like your outer edges of the chain have been running against metal and filing away, but this would normally wear the aluminium the chain contacts 1st before the chain gets chamfered. Is there anything steel the chain is touching?

If this is the case, I would ask; is your front sprocket too big as it may be "overtoothed", or even too far out on the sprocket shaft? The 5th photo also appears to show a clean front sprocket (possibly new) owing to the fact that the threads that are shown are very clean for a sprocket that lives in an oily cave all its life.

I'll stick my neck out and say your new VX2 chain and sprockets are possibly wearing fast and causing metallic grime due to the fact the front sprocket is over sized for its available space, (possibly an incorrect multi-application sprocket for several bikes). Couple this with the fact the chain may have been too loose and this has added to the chain's ability to rub where it shouldn't touch.

Many, many apologies if the above is all utter tosh. Just going on what I can see.