So, if I'm reading "until the class action suit settled" correctly, you now don't "mostly give out 5*" anymore.

You seem to be missing the point that's so obvious: if you stop giving out 5* because riders don't tip and Uber doesn't give riders a method to tip electronically à la Lyft model, then pax will stop automatically giving out 5* ratings. Your 4.9* will drop. It's simple math.

This isn't about being cheap, as your colleagues on the other board seem to imply. This is about using a service offered by a company that states "[t]ips are not ... expected or required."

If a 4* rider rating becomes the "norm" unless a rider tips then a 4* driver rating will become my norm unless a driver goes above and beyond. I suspect a long string of 4* ratings will hurt a driver far more than a rider.

You seem to have a real problem with Uber. My suggestion: don't take it out on your riders. You want a tip? Fine, put up a sign asking for a tip and deal with the consequences like an adult. If more people tip upon seeing the sign, you win. If more people offer lower driver ratings because they suspect they'll be hit with a lower rider rating for not being willing or able to tip, you lose.

For the record: I will happily tip every ride if and only if Uber offers a tipping mechanism through the app. That's exactly what I do with Lyft.

The emoticon I used generally implies sarcasm on these boards.