- encryption wasn't really there (and still is experimental)
- decentralization does not exist to the degree that Matrix provides it
And Matrix is fundamentally different. It works somewhat similar to git compared to XMPP being more like IRC, which results in a completely different form of decentralization.
E2EE is different as well - even if both are based on the Signal Protocol: Matrix encrypts for groups of people instead of single devices
I doubt Matrix would be where it is if they tried to bend XMPP
> Also, when people usually talk about Matrix being adopted by masses they are talking about Matrix on matrix.org (or that's my understanding which may be incorrect as well).
No idea how you got that understanding. With respect to adoption the server does not matter at all (though many consider it advantageous if it is not matrix.org)
What's so special about keybase?
I feel like Signal is current solution to go to if you just need easy e2ee (espexially because of its big userbase).
Otherwise it's Matrix for me as it offers "the future of messaging" (well, you wish)