I ran into one called SimpleX recently. No accounts or anything and you can host your own chat instance. Downside: The app either needs a constant spot in your notifications or will otherwise only check for messages every ten minutes.
The desktop app is pretty rough to use, as well.
Yup, I agree 100%. I usually go with a slim case because I follow a few self-imposed rules.
I’ve not dropped my phone once since owning my first 12 years ago. I do not care what it’s made of.