Messages: change the listing from icons to a list?

In Messages you cannot change the default list view that shows an avatar icon and the persons name / number. If you pin a conversation or group chat you will see larger icons at the top of the list. To remove one of those right-click and unpin the conversation.

The older iMessages App had alternative views but the newer Messages App does not. It mirrors how Messages works on iPhones and iPads with the same user interface.