If the other party did something illegal or broke a contract you most certainly have legal recourse. The problem with intermediaries like these is that there's

If the other party did something illegal or broke a contract you most certainly have legal recourse. The problem with intermediaries like these is that there's an inherent power differential. So, while technically they might not be doing anything illegal they're able to squeeze you. The best way to deal with this - if possible - is to not get yourself into a situation like that in the first place. Another way is to make new laws (or create common law precedents depending on the legal system) that address issues that arise with these models. After all, that's how labour laws came into being as there was a huge power differential between early industrial workers, specifically day labourers, and their employers.