Re: Protectionism...
> "As opposed to Uber who are definitely in it for the good of the consumer and driver."
Uber is in it to make money like any other business, they've just seen a monopoly and think they have a loophole that can exploit it.
You wouldn't do it for naff all, and nor do they.
> "Uber is a scam that uses classic mob tactics."
It really isn't, you order a taxi, the taxi comes, it takes you to your destination and you pay. Where's the scam? If you pre-pay you don't even have the "tip" scam.
In places without a hardcore black cab monopoly like London has, such as Manchester (obviously there's still the hackney licence to be gamed), Uber exists as just another private hire company and doesn't have any special impact at all.