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It may or may not still be feasible for these companies if they were paying minimum wage, but that's irrelevant to the fact that minimum wage is a requirement. Doesn't matter if the worker is already earning £100k in their main job, and 5 hours of "gig economy" work, those 5 hours are still legally required to hit the minimum wage.

minimum wage legislation does not have an exception for those in a 'temporary rough spot'

there are lots of businesses which would be profitable if they didn't have to worry about laws or regulations, but which are unviable in the real world. for example, selling methamphetamine to middle school kids in tony neighbourhoods.

A lot of these ventures aren't profitable even while paying their employees a pittance.

The fact that these job my be side gigs is irrelevant to a discussion about whether they are dodging minimum wage.