@volpeon several points, primarily the fact that no existing IRC user ever asked for a discord-esque client and the fact that said normal users would never use another app next to discord, i have firsthand experience of trying to get people to use something else
so yes, i don't think targeting normal users when developing a client for obscure chat protocols is a smart idea because outside of sysadmins wanting something secure and comfy, they're also used by people that are FUCKING SICK OF MODERN USER INTERFACES, that's why i use xmpp and psi