I understand that that perspective might be prevalent here on HN. But really, let's try to understand the target market of this theoretical iMessage Android client. It's specifically for folks who:
1. Are committed to only using Android phones (i.e. can't be convinced to get an iPhone).
2. Communicate (or are forced to communicate) over the default messaging experience with primarily iPhone users (remembering that the iMessage / SMS default is mostly just a U.S.-centric thing and cuts out most of the rest of the world).
3. Are willing and able to download a third-party messaging app to address this specific use-case.
1. Are committed to only using Android phones (i.e. can't be convinced to get an iPhone).
2. Communicate (or are forced to communicate) over the default messaging experience with primarily iPhone users (remembering that the iMessage / SMS default is mostly just a U.S.-centric thing and cuts out most of the rest of the world).
3. Are willing and able to download a third-party messaging app to address this specific use-case.