it's not the same thing. it's like saying you go on general chat on call of duty warzone to say bro that was a great game imo
in the earlier times of csgo, you could talk with your enemies on voice chat, at the end of the game and when the sides were switching. they removed it eventually because it was complete chaos, but it was really funny
it's just a different social environment...it's of a different impact when both chats are merged at that exact moment. saloon fits a different purpose
you don't have to believe me, but i'm 100% sure
welp, saloon is just happen to be available for such purpose (more than it isn't).
And about the merge, you mean, the battle chat of 2 sides would be closed and a new chat with all participants will automatically pops up?
Normally after the battle, in each side's chat, people would congratulate their side's stats and thank the battle leader.
and if the only available chat is the merged one, I think it would remove that pattern, and maybe the chat would focus on something else.
And somewhat, I feel that a separate chat between sides gives us personal space, all the happiness after winning and grief after losing a battle.
both situation become one in a forced manner? idk if I would feel comfortable.
Anyway, these are just my personal opinions
to be honest, the merged chat would be a fun thing to have after each pvp (just like in adventures), but on fort battle with tons of people, the optional chatting in saloon is already good as is.
Cheers