I had to pull the crankshaft sprocket off to remove the chain on mine. No way to lift the chain over the sprocket. It wouldn't pass between the sprocket and the case.
I used a small bearing puller over the sprocket with the chain on (in case something gets damaged it will be the chain not the sprocket)
This was before I converted to belt drive which is an option sure worth to consider.
The belt pulley has two 1/4 ww threaded holes to get it off the shaft without a puller, and the small pulley is threaded inside to pull it off easily.
It also makes your dynamo spin 20% faster, so makes for a better charge, and if the belt lets go, it'll sure make less damage than a chain.
I am thinking along the same lines as you Trev. A clip on such a flimsy chain could easily let go.