[ChemistCat]

My MIL didn't abort her two sons, and when her husband decided that supporting them was inconvenient for his style and left them, she went to work as a waitress and did it for 30 years. A good tip meant the difference between paying the bills or not paying the bills, so she always worked hard to get the tip--but didn't always get it. The laborer is worthy of his hire. I think the restaurants should pay the servers what they are worth but since they do not--if I cannot afford to tip I do not eat out.

I do not tip well for poor service, however.

[BradyLS]

...if I cannot afford to tip I do not eat out.

That should be among the first rules fo eating out. I consider tipping, whether large or small, a part of the cost of the meal.