Linguistic criticism of texting is often couched in the language of linguistic development whereas I think it’s more of a resource allocation decision based on the perceived value of an acquired skill. Texters are obviously capable of mastering complex linguistic customs and rules and they seem to be able to understand each other. Any failure to learn standard English is a social choice based on the perceived value of acquiring that ability. All bilingual group faces this same choice.

I suppose the challenge presented by texters is indeed their sheer numbers. If they hit the tipping point that shorthanders and telegraphers never did they might leave a significant linguistic footprint – some percentage might plausibly and rationally never abandon the customs of texting if by doing so they can be understood and socially accepted by a sufficient number of their peer group.