If regulators wanted to actually go after AirBnB they could do it directly, it's a matter of political will.

It really demonstrated the absurdity and borderline incompetence of a lot of regulatory entities: both Uber and AirBnB operate out in the open even where it's essentially illegal. The Hotel industry lobbies to keep the rules in their favour - and none of us are winners really.

Accommodation rules should probably be opened up somewhat, AirBnB has provided overwhelming evidence of a supply/demand mismatch. The taxi industry is considerably more difficult to redress because the cities have already sold medallions.