What is the most misunderstood thing about Uber?

They are not a transportation company.  They are a technology company.

...at least that's what Uber says.

I dunno. I feel like they are known for what they are.  Horrible male-dominated culture, drivers aren't happy, crushed the taxi competition by breaking the rules, heavily leveraged with investeor cash, having issues expanding outside of US as the global competition picks up, investing significantly on other technologies with no fruitful outcomes or future outlook, their business model is actually very easy to copy so they are completely overvaluated, and that's why much smaller Lyft can take them on and making headway, etc...

That they are a "bad" company. Look at any tech company, or male dominated company for that matter and you will see some "bro culture", the media just loves to pick on Uber.

That Uber's surge pricing is actually a good thing.

Not tipping thing?

Uber loses money on each ride. - or do they?

Here's the thing. They are investing so much money in areas outside of transportation or ridesahres, and that's why they are losing massive amounts of money.

It's well possible that if we excluded all of the non-rideshare expenses, they may have profits or the loss will at least be smaller.