[grand wazoo]

The idea of increasing the waitstaff wages and adding the additional money onto the cost of the meal is a valid one. This is the practice in most (I would say all, but I'm not sure) European countries. One positive result would be that those who tip would no longer be subsidizing those that do not tip. The service you would receive would based upon the overall performance of the restaurant.

I've waited tables and tended bar before and I can honestly say that only a few types of people bugged the hell out of me. They were very rude, demanding and very cheap. There was always a discussion with the hostess when those types were put in your section.

[TalonDJ]

The idea of increasing the waitstaff wages and adding the additional money onto the cost of the meal is a valid one.

That is the case in Japan and there service staff of all kinds is VERY friendly and helpful. Even the wage slaves and Mcdonalds are cheerful and friendly. Since it is expected, universal, and anything else is not tolerated, then it makes sense to just build it into the cost of the meal.