Experiences using Uber/Lyft daily over an extended period of time? Sudden price hikes?

Yes, there is surge pricing between 7-9 am.

However: The surge pricing during morning rush hour last week was around $17-19. Today, the price for the same exact ride at the exact same time jumped to almost $42.

Yeah, that sucks. Maybe try a Taxi company? Only time I recall seeing numbers that high in New Orleans was on Endymion Saturday but I don't really use Uber much.