You stated "rather than" but perhaps having both would be fine.
I'm ok with changing to just hover (+1), but having both would cater for all preferences.
Alternatively, if the devs are bored (/me runs away) perhaps click to show the entire message.
Like a JS/jQuery accordion style.
It could drop down into new space.
And it could return to being truncated if / or:
- 10 seconds after clicking
- Clicking same one again
- Clicking another one resets previously clicked one then drops newly clicked one down
I think with the chat rooms getting more popular such a feature update would be welcomed. Given it should work the same across all chat rooms, it's a code-once roll-out-to-many so ROI might be good.