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Also, I think at the time, many places were surprised if high school or college students tipped at all.

My mother was a waitress for a while. She worked nights from 6PM to 2AM on weekends at an upscale restaurant. If a party slipped out, she was on the hook for them.

I was a Pizza Hut cook, when it was largely a sit-down full-service restaurant. I saw the waitresses working hard, and maintaining a pleasant demeanor during rushes. As a diner, a good waitress makes the dining experience more pleasant. Now, back in the '70s and '80s the waitress scale was $1-$2 and change per hour. Now it still is, even as everything cost 6x-10x as much. If I do not have money for a tip, there's Wendy's (free senior drinks!). I do not tip if I have to walk up to a counter and order (e.g. Panera). I tip for personal service. 'tweeners are IHOP and Waffle House, where they serve your table, but do not let you pay at table (unless you happen to have the right amount of cash, and walk out after leaving it on the table). I am not crazy about the fast casual, where the waitress leaves you a device for paying, etc.