No way I'd pay 50%. I tip 20% for good service, 25-30% for outstanding service, 10% for average service, and nothing for rude service, unless there's a chance I'll be eating there again, then lousy service gets 10% (protection money).
If I am dining with my grumpy old father-in-law, I start tipping up front to pre-emptively counter-act his insults to the employees.
LOL!!!
"If I am dining with my grumpy old father-in-law, I start tipping up front to pre-emptively counter-act his insults to the employees."
Yup. I occasionally eat with one of those people who is a pain in the butt. I always warn the server in advance and tip an obscene amount.
I base my tipping, in general, based upon the probability that I'll be eating there again (for example, I have lunch at a local Fish & Chips place at least once a week - and I tip about 30% there, but that's on a $10 Bill) and, beyond that, on the attractiveness of the waitress.
I really shouldn't, but I just can't help myself.