Rubbish!!! I do not care what the name of the person serving me, nor do I appreciate them trying to intrude into a private setting. I am in the restaurant to enjoy time with my party, not with some total stranger.
I expect them to act like professionals and do a prompt, efficient job and respect our privacy. For that I am happy to treat them with respect and tip an appropriate amount.
Then by all means, if you do not desire to engage in courteous conversation with the wait staff, then do so. However, I suspect and my experience has shown that you will not receive the same level of service you would have otherwise.
I agree completely. The best wait staff are the ones who are there only when you need them.