[meragrin_]

> That might be a temporary technical issue,

It's temporary technical issue if Apple were to support RCS; otherwise, it is a long term issue. It is due SMS limits. This is why Google is trying to pressure Apple into supporting RCS. Apple certainly won't loosen control of iMessage.

> I presume adults would just call each other

We are talking about a large group chat. Easily 15+ people. Calling is not really an option for replying there.

> switch to Whatsapp

Not going to happen. We are talking about people who only recently became comfortable with messaging. Trying to throw them into a new application would take too long and cause too much frustration. The better answer is for Apple to support RCS.