I dont really like the Chat Bar on Multiplayer Servers , they are annoying and may block your veiw , am I right ? Maybe In the last version of minecraft or maybe on 1.9 , he can change the chat box , like you can hide it , or make a part chat with out any plug-in. This is just my Opinion , if Notch is reading this , maybe you can add it
How ??????
In the menu (hit esc) then you go to video settings and it's right above the lighting scale