@Ishar - I have all those features by using an IM program. I have had 7+ accounts of toons, my IM names have never changed. And they go with me no matter what game I'm playing no matter the company. Or if I'm not playing any games at all.

The only thing I see RealID having over my chat program so far is you don't have to change window focus, but really, I don't have any issue clicking the flashing window on my taskbar when I'm ready to respond and clicking it again to minimize it. I do it all night long while my husband is at work and I'm playing.