“But it does not take away my obligation to bless them with a generous gratuity.”
I agree. I always over-tip, having been a waitress in my late teens and early twenties. It’s a horrid job, although some people like my sister-in-law, really like it and do it their whole lives.
I vowed not to have that job forever. I got better skills and then got more pay.
Always over-tip. Even if service is slow. It most often isn’t the waiter’s fault. They have no control over the kitchen, but sometimes get blamed for the problem. (If the waiter’s attitude is a problem, then I re-think the amount of the tip.)
I’ll tip for bad service if it is clear the server is just having a bad day. In that case, it is more to lift spirits than for service.
I don’t tip for bad attitude.
The obligation is my own as a Christian. I don’t hold anyone else to my obligation.