Re: Instant Messaging Feature
I think the ajax chat is ok, and it works well with groups in a BuddyPress install, giving each a dedicated chatroom. But the shoutbox is a bit weird, and tends to have a life of its own.
If you want a FB clone, try http://www.arrowchat.com (it even has a Farmville plugin…aaaargh)…but it will cost you at least $65.
I’m very keen to see a videochat app which will integrate with the user database. Blendapps produced a good mashup with userplane for Ning, and it would be great to have something similar.