[tptacek]

I disagree that it's bullshit. In practice, servers (except when serving European tourists) tend to profit from the tipping arrangement. The mere fact that some of the responsibility for paying has been shifted to the customer isn't intrinsically unjust. And, it has benefits to small-business restaurant owners.

I (1) totally agree that reasonable people can disagree about whether restaurant tipping is an economically optimal scheme for compensating front of the house labor. I (2) have a little more trouble conceding that there's "bullshit" involved. I (3) have a lot of problems with the idea that it's reasonable to opt out of the tipping system by simply not tipping (not that you've suggested that, but others here have).

[peetahb]

Ideally, tipping shouldn't be expected to compensate for a lower wage and rather should be given based on merit. But in regards to your mention of the market and how it controls the paradigm between wages and tips, I personally agree that people should be compensated in tips for their lower wage.

I completely support the tipping system and don't find any bullshit involved with it. My opinion is that it's bullshit that the market is structured this way to begin with, that eventually nurtured the notion that a tip is entitled. But that's just personal bias based on idealism.