No one is claiming Uber has an out due to "startup" status. OP said "(somewhere well before billion dollar valuations)", which sounds like a clear shot at them.

No one is claiming Uber has an out due to "startup" status. OP said "(somewhere well before billion dollar valuations)", which sounds like a clear shot at them. Point is, early on it is understandable that Uber would take this kind of stance. Now, it's unconscionable.