Fluid film is awesome stuff. Awesome lube with some penetrating properties, no chemical smell, and will stand up in the elements. I (and most other professional snow plowers around here ) lube the plow pins, coat the blade, and undercoat the truck with it.
I used to use WD40 all the time for all kinds of stuff from penetrant to rust preventative... but once I started using the proper chemical for the task at hand things work and last much better... kind of using the right tool for the job. WD 40 is a Water Dispersing lubricant...and was the 40th formula. It is great for getting water out of ignition components or a quick lube of a hinge, but it will not last in the elements, makes a mediocre penetrating oil, and is less than ideal for many uses it is commonly used for. A professional plumber's experience will not mirror the average user because the pro is constantly using and then cleaning those snakes where the average user is not.
Wire rope has unique requirements and there are special lubes for it. Goo Gone is citrus based 9why it smells like oranges) but it is a solvent... and oily solvent but a solvent none the less.