I think what we have today in cities where both Lyft and Uber compete is pretty fair. I wish there was a 3rd or 4th competing platform...that would probably yield slightly better results for both riders and drivers, but at least 2 robust options provides some platform competition to keep their "rake" in check.

Ideally, the whole thing would be no tips, period. Let surge pricing handle the point at which the market clears. But if Lyft wants to differentiate by going with a lowest base rate and a tipping option, fine...

My experience this weekend in Chicago has been interesting. Using mostly Lyft, but have taken two short Ubers when Lyft's surge jumped to 1.75 at somewhat random times that weren't really peak demand. I suspect it was just luck: the Lyfts were occupied at the time, and my sense is that Chicago still has a lot more Ubers on the road. (It's not like Vegas, where it seems pretty even.)

Had a really nice Lyft Plus driver from Union Station to the hotel. Helped a lot with luggage, etc. We tipped him quite well...