While I agree that the end to end encryption has quite a few UI/UX issues that can be problematic, I did successfully move my non-techy family to matrix/riot. We're all pretty happy with it. (that is to say, I don't really get complaints and it works quite well.)
It does help that I host the server, so I don't mind talking without end to end encryption with people who can't figure it out.
It does help that I host the server, so I don't mind talking without end to end encryption with people who can't figure it out.