Use Classic App Entry in Google Play (and Use Phone Contacts)

### Your use case

I see **2 main unused potentials** (huge problems) regarding the wider usage of Element Messenger:

1. The Element **Classic App** in Google's **PlayStore** would have **tons of more downloads and better reviews** than the Element X App - and both factors are essential in order to gain users (trust).

For instance, I just finally managed to convince a friend of trying out Element Messenger, but as he tried to install the app and create an account, he ran into 3 problems and thus got (very) skeptical:

First, he obviously installed the classic app (for better ranking in Google PlayStore, more downloads and better reviews).

Second, even though he could still install the classic app, he couldn't create an account. Instead, he got an info that he should install the new app (which is already tiring for average users).

Third, as he considered installing the new app, he got skeptical due to the "very bad reviews" (as he named it) and thus hesitated (didn't install it).

=> Why can't you use (simply update) the "Classic App" within Google Play (and deactivate the Element X app)? Or, if this is not possible, why don't you at least de-publish the "Classic App" (to avoid annoyed users)?

2. "**Critical Mass**":

This is a main problem for new social media (including "social messengers"). And Element makes this problem even huger for the sake of (exaggerated) privacy. Why can't you let the app scan local contacts in phones and check (via phone numbers) if someone is using Element Messenger?

You don't need to upload those contacts to your server(s), so I see no privacy issue here.

=> This is what I would do in your case to increase the chance of finding other users (similar to, but better than WhatsApp etc.):

1. When registering, require a phone number (you also require an email address, so I see no privacy issue here)
2. During setup of the app (or login), let it scan local phone contacts for other Element users
3. Automatically make new users findable for existing contacts (you can still let them switch this off, but probably most users want to be findable - you should advise them to be...).

Hope this helps to make Element more social (usable)!

### Have you considered any alternatives?

_No response_

### Additional context

_No response_

### Are you willing to provide a PR?

No