They definitely aren't rare. We have the same pain where I work. We just end up having a limited number of HC admins and make them do all our API requests.
It'd be nice if you could take a conversation off the record. Is it inconceivable that HipChat may be used for human resource like discussions? I see some risks with this, and not sure I agree.
However, I do understand why they would do this. Bummer.
HR-level discussions should be documented at all times, so that seems like a poor example to use here.
I truly feel that if the chat platform is being provided by the employer, then they have every right to disallow you from taking conversations offline.
The problem really lies with Atlassian for not offering better permissions.
It'd be nice if you could take a conversation off the record. Is it inconceivable that HipChat may be used for human resource like discussions? I see some risks with this, and not sure I agree.
However, I do understand why they would do this. Bummer.