IRC certainly isn't changing, but to conclude that this is because it's perfect? I think that it's a lousy protocol, concieved by someone who didn't know enough at the time (internet was very, very different back then), and who certainly didn't design for networks with 1000s of users. IRC hasn't changed mainly because there isn't anyone around who could change it in any way that would be widely supported. That's it as far as I'm concerned.