We've had 30 years to explore the limits of packet data networks that can't require value (http/smtp). With lightning, we can now try models where context and value traverse the same network. Follow the discussions about free speech on twitter with this in mind and it becomes clear that decentralized + paid is the best answer.
For folks asking "is messaging an abuse of the lightning network", the premise of the question ignores the point of a fee based network. If you pay the requested routing fee, it's by definition a desired use of the network.