As an uber driver, I've never had any problems messaging passengers or receiving messages. I prefer that they go through my SMS.
The pick up point issue I have had on multiple occasions. Mostly it's that the customer enters a bad pick up point or the pick up point they enter for some reason on my end is a house or two down. When it's an apartment building the pick up point directs me towards the back of the building. But a lot of common sense and knowing my city well goes a long way.
Yes - I was visiting India last year and used Uber (ubiquitous and cheap in major cities there) and noticed that the drivers had trouble finding me. One or two of them told me that they tried to call my number (a US number on T-Mo) and their plan didn't allow it.
The pick up point issue I have had on multiple occasions. Mostly it's that the customer enters a bad pick up point or the pick up point they enter for some reason on my end is a house or two down. When it's an apartment building the pick up point directs me towards the back of the building. But a lot of common sense and knowing my city well goes a long way.