Rows and Chins are not very similar exercises in there common forms though they can be made more similar by varying the grip. Here are EMG measurements for both exercises showing very different levels of muscle fiber activation. The first number is the mean and the second peak.
Long Head of Biceps Lat Mid Trap Lower Trap
90 lb Chin Up 107.0 - 205.0 108.0 - 159.0 41.9 - 80.2 58.3 - 104.0
90 lb DB Bent Over Row 14.4 - 73.6 63.0 - 140.0 123.0 - 226.0 99.0 - 160.0
Taken from:
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online...de_the_muscles_best_back_and_biceps_exercises
I don’t have EMG measurements at hand but from what I’ve read and how my body has responded Deadlifts and Cleans are more similar to Rows than Chins, so based on that, if you only want to do two back exercises then yes Chins would better complement Deadlifts if you are Deadlifting every workout. However, if you are Deadlifting at all or say only once a week then doing some form or “horizontal” pulling movement is almost a necessity if you want to maximize upper back development. Not to mention balancing out the opposing muscles used for Benching which if not done can lead to shoulder problems especially with the overemphasis many lifters place on pushing exercises.
EDIT: I can't get the column titles to stay formatted.
I'm always dubious of over-emphasising the significance EMG data, but ignoring my natural skepticism, I would say that the exercises still use the same muscles, albeit in different proportions (which is essentially what the EMG data indicates anyway).
I would struggle to accept that a sizeable back cannot be built using only chins/pulls OR rows. I still would not use both exercises in a single workout if either was to be done at > 2 sets // 8-10 reps in 5RM range.
The issue isn't specifically that muscles aren't being worked enough. The issue is that certain muscles (especially biceps, and lats) are going to be overworked an inhibit training. This isn't a single-session issue. Doing ~15-20reps of heavy chins/pulls and then rows will leave you struggling to hit the same #'s 24hrs later.
Do chins for one cycle and rows for the next, or alternate them across workouts. Either that or grab some tren/hgh etc. Lower individual volume but same total volume will also work just fine.