I get (and share some of) the frustration, but have yet to find anything better.
XMPP and IRC are not it, for me. Neither give me a better experience nor are they easier for non-techies than matrix.
I also empathize with the people behind the project, as monetization is much more difficult for non-scumbag companies, among which I definitely count Discord, Slack and to a lesser degree Telegram.
As a user though, the speed of improvement has been less than satisfying. It has felt like matrix was just shy of fulfilling its promises for years now.
I still enjoy using it though and am hopeful for its future.
XMPP and IRC are not it, for me. Neither give me a better experience nor are they easier for non-techies than matrix.
I also empathize with the people behind the project, as monetization is much more difficult for non-scumbag companies, among which I definitely count Discord, Slack and to a lesser degree Telegram.
As a user though, the speed of improvement has been less than satisfying. It has felt like matrix was just shy of fulfilling its promises for years now.
I still enjoy using it though and am hopeful for its future.