Personally, I really hope Uber does well. The leadership is new, they have more capital, and can do really well if they execute properly. No other company has that sort of a global reach in the on demand transport business right now. It's incredible that I can use the same app to hail a ride in so many cities and countries.
Sounds more like the former captain absconding with the largest life raft and much of the passengers' riches after being fired. Whether he sabotaged the ship as well remains to be seen, but bystanders have noted it appears to be listing a bit to one side...