Signal did made some significant progress across IM space due to Axolotl/Signal Protocol which has to be noted, but I'm not going to use or support a yet another closed silo when there are open and federated networks around that work well.

Yes or if they'd open up the network to third party clients. Then I'd support them.

I prefer matrix but it doesn't feel as ready for prime time. I doubt the masses will ever adopt it. Whereas signal is really just like WhatsApp.

But I want to use whatever client I want. Sometimes I'm in a shell session on FreeBSD, sometimes on a computer. One of many. Rarely on my phone. Signal is too mobile-first for me. Third party clients could fill that gap.

What I'd love to see is for them to operate it as an open network, not a closed network with an open source app. I wouldn't mind at all if it cost money. I rather pay cash than with my data.

Possibly of interest: https://github.com/AsamK/signal-cli