Even if it is read charitably, as you have done, that really damages Uber' claim that it's a effectively just a middleman connecting independent contractors wit

Even if it is read charitably, as you have done, that really damages Uber' claim that it's a effectively just a middleman connecting independent contractors with customers. By doing this, Uber is much more than a mere ride arranging service and, instead, they're actively reducing risk and manipulating both sides – something a mere middleman wouldn't do.