Kalanick is being accused of defaulting on an agreement "to modify the company’s voting agreement to ensure that the board was composed of independent, diverse, and well qualified directors" and acting "to deter candidates and create a power vacuum in which Travis could return."
Defaulting on agreements doesn't take particular skill. While installing a surrogate would have been a show of power, throwing a wrench into the search process in hopes that it convinces people to bring him back also signals that those same people don't think he should be back right now. It's a move that signals weakness, not strength.
This letter is a message to people who, while perhaps not coöperating with Travis, left him dark corners from which to throw around muck. Loudly and clearly, Benchmark is saying "the old king is dead."
Disclaimer: These is personal, casual commentary and does NOT constitute investment advice. Please do NOT buy or sell any securities based on my Internet comments.