Typical silicone sealant is a very flexible polydimethylsiloxane chain with methyldiacetoxysilyl end groups
(AcO)2MeSiO(Me2SiO)xOSiMe(OAc)2
While MS polymer is a more rigid shorter polyether with slightly less reactive methydimethoxysilyl end groups
(MeO)2MeSi(CH2)3O(CH(Me)CH2)x(CH2)3SiMe(OMe)2
Both cure by moisture reacting to give a silanol + acetic acid (silicone) or methanol (MS polymer) the silanol then reacts with either the surface or another polymer chain end groups to cross link and cure.
Any traces of water getting into the tube will cure them before you get chance to use them. They will have moisture scavengers added to slow that down but too much and it slows down the cure reaction. The shelf life is to balance the two sides. If the product is partially cured after the expiry date when you use it it will not flow as easily as it should and it will not adhere as well as fresh material.
A better product is SPUR from Momentive that is a more flexible polyolpolyurethane back bone with more reactive trimethoxy silyl end groups. That gives it a better shelf life and better adhesion while making it easier to use.
From your nice explanation i assume that
the main phenomenon that might happened as the ms polymer will degrade,is that it will be harder to extrude the silicone,since it will cured inside the tube with time and it will not adhere as well as a fresh material.
But,the odor,i can conclude,that will not be different
from a fresh one,will it?
If the reaction of the curing happens inside the tube,as you explained,the odor should be as a ms polymer that was applied and cured on some surface.
And even if i uses half tube and traces of water left on the tube orific,it can only make the material to be cured,but will not make the material contaminated and change its odor,as p mention in its post,that since the silicone is not water based,bacterial won't be created in the tube(or somthing similar)and change it odor.
Are my conclusions,pursuant to your explanation,right?