[robzyb]

I think that its all about managing what you buy.

My thoughts on the matter is that so long as I always have drink/food in front of me (and I'm not purposely taking my time) then I'm probably earning my keep.

I've never been at a cafe that's run out of seats, either.

[greggman]

Where are you? I've been to many cafes that have run out of seats. In fact I've had to turn around and leave because there was no place for me to sit down. 2 examples off top of my head. Coffee Bar in SF and Bricks and Scones in LA. Both are larger than average as well but very very popular. I've seen most Starbucks in SF and Tokyo full as well. Some of the ones in Tokyo even have signs which effectively say "In consideration of other customers please don't stay a long time".

[robzyb]

I'm in Melbourne, Australia. We have heaps and heaps of cafes here. We are known for our cafe culture. I can actually think of some that fill up, but there are still plenty where you could always reasonably expect a spare seat.

I remember the Starbucks at Shibuya Crossing was mind-blowingly packed.

I think that my argument assumes that you've chosen a cafe with consideration for whether they tend to run out of seats or not.

(Incidentally, I am relocating to Tokyo from Melbourne in a month or twos time. Any tips for me? Any little-known treasures in Japan that I should check out?)