An interesting angle perhaps we could discuss is how much of the persistence of this barbarian culture that tipping is, has to do with the fact that in the US,

An interesting angle perhaps we could discuss is how much of the persistence of this barbarian culture that tipping is, has to do with the fact that in the US, the expectations that displayed prices are final isn't very strong anymore, to the point that we now forget to identify obvious robberies in plain sight. Like this intellectual construction for openly ripping you off of your money by calling something a 'fee' :)