[mikeash]

There is an important difference, though. Small companies and individuals often fly under the radar of wacky bureaucratic rules like this, whereas big companies are more visible and are stuck with them. By routing all the small-timers through a big company, they can no longer do that.

You might say, small companies should be following these rules regardless so this is just as well. And I'd probably agree. But it's still a pretty big difference.