Ever considered using just a straight Jabber client and a gateway for each non-Jabber protocol that you use? I am quite partial to http://psi-im.org/ .
I've tried a few of the dedicated console clients for various protocols. However, I'm lazy and find its just easier to put up with pidgin. That, and I like the OTR crypto plugin.
The only reason I use IM at all is for a long-standing client who insists on using it for 99% of real-time communications.
I've been on the 'net since 1990, and I've never even used IRC (I know, I know -- I should hand in my geek card...). I've always been a store-and-forward kind of person, and have always preferred email and (in its heyday) USENET.
