Assuming that you are correct in your assessment that the U.S. generally has poor service, that fact would not necessarily contradict the above poster's point t

Assuming that you are correct in your assessment that the U.S. generally has poor service, that fact would not necessarily contradict the above poster's point that tipping results in higher-quality service in the U.S. You are applying standards from other countries and cultures and assuming that it would work just as well over here. How American of you! :) Edit: This is a more general comment that addresses the conceit that the tipping system is merely a way for restaurant owners to pocket more money for themselves. This idea is simply ludicrous, given the staggeringly-thin margins in the business. I have no words to describe my disdain for the kneejerk reaction to attack job-creators at every turn.