Partly, but Signal etc. could just as well have a fast and polished client, and Telegram a clunky electron sloth. Even if you restrict yourself to one device (so no syncing) the difference in quality is undeniable.
This argument works against all payment systems that are conceivably bannable (likely all of them). If a payment system doesn't collaborate, the government can ban it.
> The only thing stopping them is the sheer unpopularity of such an action.
This is the intended functioning of democracies I guess.