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the main point of whatsapp is to work like sms, this is the main difference from other apps like viber and skype; this is why it also uses the phone number and not username, you install it and anyone on your list is instantly available, no need to start asking them if they have whatsapp and what's their nikname... more your number is your number you quit using the app your number stays the same while your skype name belongs to the skype system.
One of the main advantages over skype and viber is that is simple and robust, it does not take that much juice from your phone and you always get your notifications right away, this is not always the case with skype and viber which renders those programs not that reliant as sms replacement.
For people concerned about privacy, you pretty much can't use tools this day that will keep your privacy out of the box, even if they are designed for that you still kneed to know how to use them with your privacy in mind. For example you can get a prepaid card, put it in your phone, confirm your number with whatsapp then put your actual sim back and you're set with different number so the 'evil' powers don't know it's you messaging. (if you're a real pro on the other hand you won't do any such stupid things, you will use the stuff as it is when you say 'hi' to mommy and when you actually have to say something confidential you'll connect to the net via tor and send messages using apps like 'secure chat' and call people with apps that encrypt the call)
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