He then launched into what I could tell immediately was a pitch for some kind of pyramid scheme where he testified that his friend (the guy a level above him) had made "hundreds of thousands of dollars per year." I knew he was about to sell me on something I was not interested in. Not wanting to engage, I just sort of listened while he carried on for the duration of our 15 minute ride. I never asked him exactly what the nature of this business was, but from the sounds of it, it seemed like a network of people who click each other's google/amazon ads.
He went on at length talking about how ethical it was before I even asked anything about the nature of the business. After saying nothing for most of the ride, he finally said "This sounds like you might be a perfect candidate for something like this." I politely declined and told him I was satisfied with my current career.
Is this kind of thing considered OK? Normally my Uber and Lyft drivers have been very friendly, but on occasion I have gotten sales pitches from drivers with side businesses.
I gave him 1 star and moved on, but frequently encountering this kind of behavior would make me hesitant to continue using the service.
If you are interested in conversation, I don't think solicitation is that inappropriate, as long as it stops at the first moment you say you're not interested. Like you say, it's common for small business owners to be driving to supplement their income, because driving doesn't pay a living wage by itself. I don't think they should have to hide that fact from you.
I usually converse in an agreeable manner with my UberX and Lyft drivers to get a feel for different markets in the area and learn about other lifestyles. I think it is quite interesting!
On a side note - last time i took Lyft - I had very pleasant conversation with lady who is also part time art teacher and artist.
It also fun to exchange passions - but of course - as long as it's mutually enjoyable.