I have just re-read this entire post, because I thought I'd voted and commented but couldn't remember when.
I am now extremely distressed that I've not 1) tipped enough, 2) made sure the tip was collected by the server, 3) understood that the tip added to the credit card bill might never make it to the server! I am frankly appalled at how shabbily the really hardworking servers are treated!
Seems to me they should be paid the minimum wage, to begin with, then should be able to pocket the cash tips earned. Dishwashers and others not having contact with the customers should be compensated with a higher basic salary.
I will have to seriously rethink my overall tipping policies, which I'm afraid have been pretty miserly!
SWR
