Here is why: I still have people I can't send Zelle payments to because they bank with some random credit union. I can ACH anyone. ACH is managed through the "partisan" Federal Reserve.

Also, not sure if you're aware of the irony of your statement on no government involvement. Zelle originated at Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo in 2011. Three of the largest recipients of bailout funds after the 2008 financial crisis. So, technically, Zelle wouldn't exist without government involvement.