Not many people end up at Amazon because they have options. There's nothing to disagree about, what I talked about are facts. That's how the gig economy works, everyone loves being on the purchasing side but you support the cheapness through taxes; and it's illegal. This means people like DaveC (and myself) pay regular prices while everyone else subsidizes Amazon & whatever else.
I seriously invite any of you to try a gig economy job. If you haven't walked those shoes in any way, well, you're just self serving when you talk about it in a positive light. Don't get me wrong, I'm not guilt free either. I love using Uber/Lyft, but they're absolutely criminal enterprises that cost us loads in taxes because they're such shysters. Amazon on the other hand I've stopped using when possible. Why? MethTrac. I'm not paying for 2 day shipping to get something two weeks later, if I get it at all. Also I don't like getting packages for other people from MethTrac, but I have. MethTrac is an illegal enterprise just like all these other gig economy things based on driving your own vehicle. The short answer is no one will challenge them in court, not even the US government.
Jeff, it's tight because my generation works multiple jobs and retirees work for fun all the time now. But the truth is it's miserable, and bad for the economy.