I chose matrix over signal because of the centralization problem. That being said, I could convert some friends and family to use matrix but a lot of people went to (or already were on it) signal.

After a few months I decided to install a signal bridge on my matrix server so I guess I’m having kind of best of both worlds, even though it’s not a perfect solution, it is one acomodating both sides.

EDIT: it really bothered me to use my personal phone number as well so I use an other number I had laying around