[Heyworth]

Keep in mind, too, that when the test was devised, a $20 was a lot more money than it is now. In those days it would buy a couple of cases of beer or a really good steak dinner for two.

Here in L.A., if you did that, you'd be the one failing the test, since a 20 wouldn't cover two cocktails plus tip at anyplace reasonably nice. You'd have shown yourself to be a cheapskate.

[Smokin' Joe]

I imagine, even in LA when the test came about twenty would have covered more than a couple of cocktails. Nowadays that 20 would be worth well more than 50, but when and where, it would have bought eight bottled American beer, with tip, for instance, or a really good steak dinner for two (tip extra).

[Publius6961]

Don't know how to break this to you, but anything that happens in LA is hardly the yardstick by which to judge normal people.
What an odd observation to make!