Flame away because tipping is ridiculous - ok, got that out there first because there will be indignation poster who’ll get their panties in a wad over the following but too darn bad. I can hear it now, “oooh, but owners don’t pay enough”. So, what. The customer is not the manager and as such isn’t responsible for your pay. Don’t like the pay, get a job that pays what you think you’re worth. No one said you had to work there.
Do you tip the mechanic who provided a “menu” of what tires he sells and tells you what “dish” he prefers? No.
Do you tip the librarian for showing you the card catalogue, taking your “order” and recommending “best sellers”? No.
Do you tip your doctor? Do you tip the produce man at the grocery? Do you tip the bank teller? Of course not. But they all provide a service to you just as a waiter does.
Why should I pay for table service when I’m already paying for the food which is what I came there for in the first place. The business provides the service and should pay a straight salary. I’ve worked as a waitress and know full well what nastiness and gross things are done to people’s food which is why I prefer to eat at home. Why should I pay for someone to scratch their butt as they’re dishing up my salad? Why should I pay for someone to spit in my water just because I ordered a second glass? Why do I want to eat the same chips and repoured salsa as the last three tables? I don’t want to become best friends with the waitstaff in hopes they wash their hands before serving me. No thank you.
Incentive based compensation systems are often the most efficient, effective and most closely reflect capitalism.
The system works, which is why it is used virtually everywhere.
A wait staff person has an incentive to serve well in order to get paid a decent amount. Many professions (if not all) require pay based on performance and tipping is one method of recognizing performance. It is immediate and direct. The wait staff is getting immediate feedback on how they are doing there job. No need for performance reports, quarterly reviews, etc.
You should pay for table service because even though (in your opinion) the business "should pay a straight salary" you know very well that it doesn't. Therefore you should honor the ethical contract in place when you walked into the restaurant. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you should probably stick to fast food.