[AnonCoward42]

> IRC does not encrypt messages, only (optionally) the client<->server connection. Without E2EE, you have no privacy against the server/operator, which is an easily targeted SPOF.

Same as Discord.

> Matrix (the protocol) is still in flux, and the implementations are lagging behind the spec. If you're not using Element, you're behind on features and security.

Discord also only has one reference client, but for me even with that client Matrix/Element was not as reliable. I still use and like it, but it's not a like for like in that regard.

> XMPP is (similarly to IRC) relying on optional protocol add-ons for basic things, like E2EE, which clients may or may not support fully or correctly.

But if you use current clients like Conversations or Dino or the likes it does work. There is no point in counting the clients that don't support it if these aren't the reference or biggest ones. The problem here is more that it's not meant to be used like Discord in any way. Not for big group chats/channels nor for big voice chats (not even sure this possible).