I would like to suggest that the current chat implementation isn’t as conducive to workflow as it could be.

Chat is generally an informal medium unlike the other areas Basecamp offers. Its very worthwhile of course, but doesn’t require the same measure of logging and tracking as the other sections.
One rarely needs a dedicated chat page to navigate into and “chat”, when most likely they will be chatting about other areas with the basecamp project site.

I would suggest a floating chat module that sits on a layer or frame above or beside the other sections of Basecamp to allow a more casual involvement in a chat and allow discussion on existing content in-situation.

Or am i just going to get told to open the campfire in another window or tab..?

Any thoughts on this from anyone else..?

This could be used to notify members of other members who are online an inside basecamp. A lot of times. theres really no way of knowing if others are logged in. Chat should be a frame. Killer feature. +1

Facebook now has a good implementation of this..