The topic proposal / customization needs some improvements for sure. There is also the multi language issue to manage. Adding a large list suggestion to the custom topics is a good idea.

It's not for all, but the whole idea is to let people approach you only on the basis of common interest, to have a face to face talk, a chat is contrary to this logic. Btw, if you are a short distance (< 30 meters), does chatting makes really sense?