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Email? Text messages? Phone calls?

Those are the only alternatives with enough penetration to rival WhatsApp (that I know of).

I know that they are not secure, but neither is WhatsApp.

Email and phone calls are not a replacement for an instant messenger. That would be like getting rid of WhatsApp not replacing it.

Once RCS gets established though, text messaging may be a reasonable alternative. (As long as telcos don't try to use stupid pricing)

Yes, I don't see what the problem with text messaging is.

Android now has some compatibility with iMessage, and SMS is standard and supported on most mobile devices, even really old phones.

Why lock-in to WA or any of these options in the poll?

I'd understand if it were vendor-neutral and decentralized, but I don't see that.