overlaying text/drop icons

[3RayJ3]

I know this has been brought up before but I still think it needs attention. Given all the new updates, I'm surprised this hasn't been addressed. It gets really difficult, if not impossible to read player chat when covered with dropped items. Depending on the background, which can make reading text difficult anyways. White text on a snowy background, really? Besides moving the drops away from the text, maybe have a grayed out, opaque chat box so text can be seen on any background. Maybe make the box adjustable in settings, to accommodate different tastes.
This is a social game, so ease of communication should be of high importance.
I also support the idea of /f for contacting friends in game.