It does indeed seem like AIM has runaway with the market, although it seems that they are starting to go the way of ICQ with so many features, and also the advertising.
I use Trillian too, although that still had problems, like back in Jan/Feb when AIM tried blocking access. So even Trillian still relies on those annoying corporate networks.
It definitely seems that the overwhelming reason for using a certain service is because that's where your buddies are, which is definitely what I thought would be the most overwhelming answer.
Question is, if loyalty/need isn't a reason for everybody, then what's to keep everyone from switching over?
PS thanks to the 2 folks who were honest enough to respond "lazy; habit"--glad to see people can still be honest.
Anyone else?