"I do not believe there would be any less regulation for the protection of the rider, just more options and more availability."
What do you base this conclusion on?  For-hire drivers and the vehicles they drive are required to meet certain requirements for rider safety.  For example, physically fit (to at least not have any physical conditions that might cause them to lose control of the vehicle like narcolepsy) and good running condition (especially breaks and tires during the winter).  It is probably the primary reason why wild-cat for-hire initiatives get shut down every time it is brought up because there hasn't been any acceptable alternative to maintain rider protections.

Merely because you do not like the regulations or the basis for them does not make them "disingenuous" or "sewing[sic] fear."