CAPSEL wrote:
When "enables" means start the conversation with an e-mail. ... This could be it. My conversation starts with my phone number.
No that's not it, all my SMS messaging originates from my phone number (it has to), even from my Mac and iPad.
You do have to have an email address enabled as a messaging point of contact on all devices, but you don't have to actually use it. I suspect that it is the email address entry that links non-SMS-capable devices to your iPhone, so make sure you're using the same address (sounds like you are) and make sure all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network when you attempt to link them.
First, make sure that your devices meet the requirements (see SMS section at the bottom):
System requirements for Continuity on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac - Apple Support
If you're good with all that, then try signing out of iMessage and FaceTime on all devices, maybe even throw in a Reset of iOS devices, then sign back in (iPhone first, then others) making sure that all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network to establish the initial connection.