I don't feel like being subjected to hours of manipulation and predatory behavior. I surely know how to push back and deal with it, but it doesn't mean I want to.

Local taxis are often cheaper than Uber/Lyft now since they don't have surge pricing. But the downsides are much worse that people will still pay a premium to not deal with it.

In reality, just like you no longer get a discount for buying online (remember "it's cheaper since the company doesn't have to pay for a brick & mortar store!"?) I wouldn't expect Ford & others to pass the savings along for long. But I'm okay with that given the upsides of saving me time and some mental abuse.