Proven? Hmmm Also not sure the car comparison is a good one.It has been proven by many people. A dirty gun doesn't hurt anything. I'm not saying I never clean, I might wipe down the outside or add some lube but a thorough cleaning only happens once a year. Only exception might be a rimfire pistol with a suppressor.
Guns that are blued or have a nickel finish will get a little extra.
My long range bolt action rifle has never been cleaned (other than initially) and it has about 600 rounds through it. Only thing I do is wipe down the bolt and very light lube it.
Do you wash your car or change the engine oil and filter after every time you drive it?
You guys do what you want, I still don’t think a “gentle” cleaning hurts anything. I do know dirty guns malfunction, seen it many times.
TD