Earlier quoted context omitted.
A lot of people say the same thing you do -- their diverse anecdotes agree that regular cabs are obviously (better, worse) than uber/lyft/etc. The trouble is, they don't agree which way it goes. I think the resolution to this conondrum is, it varies based on city/region. Some areas had traditional taxis that are worse than ridesharing, and some better.
Name a region where taxis provide better service than "rideshare".
Clean, cheap usually friendly drivers with lots of local insight and you're guaranteed not to be cheated.