i think text speak is great - in texts, though i must admit i only use it sparingly with things such as, u, 2, 4 and 2moro etc i can't be bothered to cut out one letter here and there - unless the text i am sending is long and important - i may then go through it afterwards ''making more space'' to continue writing.
it is not so much that we can't understand it - as has been said, it is easy to figure it out - it just takes longer, and many simply can't be bothered.
i guess its a case of - if you can't be bothered to write in a way that makes it easy for me to read, then i can't be bothered to read it and try to help.
i find it very sad that kids would think it appropriate to apply for a job - at a library of all places - and write in this way - that to me does not show that its just a thing between mates and they assume people will understand - it shows laziness, lack of thought, and frankly, stupidity - surely even kids must understand that it is 'not the norm' for grown ups and in working life!