There are exceptions and probably in a parallel universe IRC is all the rage with very few changes. I think the issue is that HTTP and the web platform are so

There are exceptions and probably in a parallel universe IRC is all the rage with very few changes. I think the issue is that HTTP and the web platform are so flexible, that we've stopped evolving dedicated protocols and just slap everything on HTTP and then eventually use mobile and desktop apps to cover the rest. This also allows companies to build walled gardens where you register with them, they provide the service, and they control it. Which obviously has a strong investment/monetization incentive, compared to an open protocol like IRC.