The problem is that these drivers fall on both sides of the questions. Another question is if Uber drivers are employees of Uber in Florida, are taxi drivers now also employees? Many of them (that do not own their own car) are ICs too.
I spent a few months as a dispatcher in a taxi shop, and drivers weren't ICs, they were more like part of a b2b transaction. They rented the car and medallion from us for a flat rate for 12 hours, and could pick up whomever they wanted off the streets. When we got calls to arrange pickups, I went down the list contacting drivers until someone would take the fare. We only made money from renting the taxis to drivers.
It's also sort of hostile to take the anecdote based on personal experience and characterize it as "the distinction" (when it is just as easy to read as a description of some differences).
I'm not trying to be contentious but why does your hypothetical Uber Driver have to drive around in circle?
Can't they park somewhere, or do their daily routine and wait for the app to announce a possible passenger? Cause I've met two uber drivers before from what they've talked about they just chill around, do their daily business and if there's a lead they decide if they want to take it.