Well, there's no way for us to prove either side, but I suspect that $5 tips are rare, and given the enthusiasm of many of my drivers, I don't expect that many of them would feel the need to lie on the off chance that they might get a nice tip.

Also, consider that sob stories confer tips too. Why not convince your customer that uber is abusing you, but you have nowhere else to go?

I suppose we are just arguing over anecdote; however, my point is that the simple preponderance of drivers is evidence that by and large they are indeed satisfied, as they report to me when I ask.