If the argument really boils down to "everyone else is doing it" or "that's what we've always done!" they should stop and apply some critical thinking.
Taxis accepted a lot of obtrusive regulations because they were granted a monopoly by the city. I don't see why Uber should obey these regulations when they are not getting any such sweetheart deals.
Who is the monopoly here? Anybody is free to buy a medallion and own a yellow cab.
Besides yellow cabs there are also private livery cabs aka "black cars/car service."
"CURRENT OWNERSHIP: 17 percent of medallions are owned by cab fleets; 54 percent are owned by leasing agents, who delegate management to fleets; and 29 percent are owned by independent drivers"
I think that's the key detail