I've given this some consideration, but they have put the barrier to entry to the chat feature above a minimal reputation ranking. One can easily overcome that

I've given this some consideration, but they have put the barrier to entry to the chat feature above a minimal reputation ranking. One can easily overcome that with ten skillful edits, 2 upvotes (or 1 upvote and an accept) on an answer, or 4 upvotes on a question (20 rep is required for chat). It's fairly easy for an individual to get into the chat, if they want. That barrier does keep spammers from flooding the chat, though. And if you consider it an interview process, that's what the earning of reputation points accomplishes, and I'd argue it does so rather elegantly.