If you mean select every individual link, and adjust every single angle and rotation parameter, then yes I have. Now multiply by 25 or 50 chain links, and you should understand my desire to find an easier way instead of spending hours upon hours just for posing a chain for one single character pose.
Try the ActivePose tool (ALT+SHIFT+P). Click the key links you don't want to move and press SPACE to pin them in place, then left click the end of the chain and hold and drag slowly to move it all around. It takes some practice, and you need to do it while looking from the correct angle as it will only move left right, up and down based on your angle. I absolutely LOVE this tool now that i am used to it. Posing has been so much easier for everything.
When posing a characters hand for example, I will pin their shoulders and chest with this tool so they don't move, then grab the hand and slowly (this is key, move to fast and you can mess up) move the hand into place, changing camera angles as I go. With some practice, you will get better at it fast.