> Uber and Lyft’s sole “innovation” is in driving down the value of driving by reclassifying drivers as contractors and not having to pay benefits
This is supremely untrue: a huge part of Uber and Lyft's value proposition is not cost related at all. (Also, cab drivers generally aren't employees most places.)
They are more faster in most places. Other than some urban cores and transit hubs, it is much faster to get a pickup by Uber/Lyft than it ever was a taxi.
They are more reliable in most places. When you call a taxi, it may or may not show up, and you won't be told whether they're going to no-show after you call them.
They are more convenient. Ordering an Uber/Lyft is really easy. Most places, if you want to call a taxi, you have to use the telephone or use an inferior smartphone app. When they started growing, it was almost always the former.
They are a more pleasant experience. My worst experience in an Uber/Lyft ride is day-to-day in a taxi. I've had truly terrifying experiences with taxis.
Many of these factors are actually irrelevant to their labor practices. Some of them do relate (for instance, drivers are very vulnerable to rider low-ratings, in part since firing them is easier than firing employees), to be sure.