> network effect is a thing

Sure is. So is getting anyone to do more than the default.

I have an extended family SMS group, an "after hours" work SMS group, and an SMS group of some people I play online computer games with.

Nobody across any of these groups is happy with the down-sampled videos, the inconsistent emoji reactions, and other SMS oddities. It's a constant complaint across all groups.

I have suggested we switch to Telegram or Signal multiple times. Not a single person is happy with SMS. Not a single person has even bothered to install Telegram or Signal.