Yes, what we need is another chat.

• 2013 - Everything is an app
• 2023 - Everything is an app. With DMs

Every mobile app attempts to expand until it includes chat. Those applications which do not are replaced by ones which can.

Did they hire a few Google managers, or how did this come about?!

Tbh I might use an activity based chat where I could privately ask or talk about it, instead of commenting. The way they implemented it looks kinda random and forced