i used elixirs for awhile, rm40 a pack. they last very long, and stay bright even after a couple of months
great for us lazy string changers... but sadly i had to switch to d addarios cuz i couldn't find any other brand with 10-52 gauge here

^
just cuz its malmsteen sigs ?

i think hairy means either the wound strings start coming off(like nylon strings?) or the rust builds up

^
oh yeah i get that too but not after a week

i use dunlop lemon oil fretboard cleaner
planet waves makes them too

oh ! haha. i have no idea, but im guessing its all artificially produced now

this is the one i use: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dun...-Oil?sku=425264
i use it everytime i change my strings

lots of places.. the guitar store also carries them.
sadly they dont have 10-52 gauge for me