"That said, I believe if you cannot afford the tip, you can't afford to eat out."

Its that kind of self-centered entitled thinking that ensures I never tip unless the service was AMAZING. Then I toss on 2 or 3$'s.

@Mitch: I'm not claiming responsibility for social change. I'm claiming that the entire system is retarded, and I refuse to participate in it. If that means the server who waited on me is out 3 or 4$ for essentially 5 minutes or so (AT MOST) of work, then BOOHOO; so be it.

I make 15$ an hour tutoring between my classes. I don't get tipped ensuring people get good grades, that help them for the rest of their careers, nor do I ever expect too. Neither should people who pickup a plate of food from a cook, and walk it 15 bloody feet.

@OhYes

Agreed 100%. Respect is a 2 way street. Just because I'M PAYING YOU FOR COOKING FOR ME doesn't give you the right to muck around with my food (under the guise of "respect" for people who "cook your food") because you didn't cook it the way I PAID YOU to cook it.

I just don't tip period. It's a stupid practice that's an archaic Wanna-be-European from 1920's trend that occurs nowhere else I've traveled. If everyone didn't tip, waiters / waitresses wouldn't HAVE TO rely on them for income because restaurants would be forced to pay higher wages.