Re: Devil in the detail
Most drivers own cars unsuitable for Uber so have to lease a prius.
Really? A majority of Uber drivers in the UK use leased Priuses? I refuse to use Uber, but I've never seen any Uber users in the US picked up or dropped off by a Prius. I know the Prius is a popular vehicle in some circles, but this claim is hard for me to believe.
I agree with your larger point that Uber drivers incur various expenses which "at least minimum wage while you're on a run" will not adequately cover. Of course, I'm here in the Land of the Ridiculously Inadequate Minimum Wage (Especially for People Who Might Receive Tips), so I'm inclined to view an employer's claim of "it's a living wage!" with suspicion, if not outright disdain.