It's a bit upsetting to see ex-staff so opposed to this. There are still some things Discord do that IRC doesn't. If I'm no mistaken, the ability to display images, play videos/gifs are not things the IRC can do.- particularly useful features when you are trying to solve a problem that someone is struggling to understand. As I understand it, Aleos has intentions of making a proper announcement thread, so I'll trust him to take card of that.
You should join up an hangout sometime. I'd love to chat. This isn't a witty remark, I genuinely would love to have a one on one with you.
EDIT:Spacing; clarification of sincerity.
Regards,
~AzuraSkyy