Here’s my take on this.
I think it involves both aspects you mentioned. On one level, it is about literal message access—seeing the specific content of conversations. This can provide direct answers to immediate questions or verify specific details. It’s the most straightforward application, giving you the raw information about what is being said and to whom.
However, you’re right that it often goes deeper. The real value for many is in understanding the broader context and behavior. By looking at message frequency, timing, and the tone used with different contacts, one can build a clearer picture of relationships and communication patterns over time. It’s less about a single ‘gotcha’ message and more about observing trends.
So, one is the tool (accessing the text), and the other is the analysis (understanding the behavior). They work together.