to each their own. keep in mind the 'customary' thing is on you; there is no legislation forcing anyone to tip and i'm completely okay with that. As i said to Conq, most places would close if they had to pay a living wage. I'd be taken aback if anyone actually demanded a tip. The only time it's been a bone of contention is when people have been either ultra demanding/dragging screaming kids or arrogant/showoff fuckfaces who left me a penny or some shit to be funny. Don't act baller if you're not baller.
The overwhelming majority of my folks are repeat customers; they A) never give any indication i am 'shaking them down' (nor do i feel shook when i go out) and B) are not getting their car/waterheater fixed or any other horrible necessity. Noone is forced to dine/booze out. People are free to come or not to come. "vote with your feet" as you say. It's imperative we do what we can to get them to back. That's it...

Funny, the leb kid around the corner just got back from Sydney where they do get paid well (he's a waiter at my landlord's joint) and nobody tips.
He noted: Drinks were outrageous, cover charge was absurd, and that the bartenders and waiters coulda gave two shits one way or another at alotta places. So we can argue this both ways. Anyways, another thread, no?