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You don't _need_ the competition, either. Just pretend it's 2005 and acquire food some other way.

I think that's very cynical perspective. Probably you are correct, but if they were all corrupted, I could try starting my own. I'm probably naive but I still believe being ethical and profitable at the same time is possible.

If it helps: they do not all work this way

being ethical and profitable is possible, but competing against the unethical is another matter.

if a company keeps the tips they can charge lower prices. just like some restaurants pay lower salaries when waiters can rely on tipping (which is why i consider tipping itself to be unethical)

Just buy food physically, or call up the eatery and order on phone directly?

The answer is simple, do not use the apps. It's not about comparing competitors. Simply abstain entirely. The gig economy is an exploitation engine.