The difference is if you outright screw someone, they can leave. The ability to acquire new drivers is the limiting factor on the growth of Uber and Lyft. If they screw someone who has already gone through the process, it will likely cost them more than $350 to get a replacement.

Despite many folks talking conspiracy theories, I think this is just a process breakdown. I would be very surprised if the driver isn't made whole after the PR goes big.