> The problem with that reasoning I never suggested they're perfect or that they'll even bring direct benefits to the customer but they are still at the custom

> The problem with that reasoning I never suggested they're perfect or that they'll even bring direct benefits to the customer but they are still at the customer's disposal and can server as leverage. A waiter has little recourse against the cook other than to find a way to make up or quit. > the customer has a binary choice This is all I was highlighting. The customer has a (relatively easy) choice compared to the waiter's choice against a cook. I did leave at least once after waiting for about an hour for a regular dish, especially after seeing that everyone else at the tables around us were getting served. Whether this was an argument between the waiter and cook mattered less to me. Anecdotally, I know plenty of other people who also did it in similar situations. So while I don't know how widespread this is it's not just a viable measure, it's also plausible in practice. And I'm never one to argue or be anything but nice to people that make and serve my food. After waiting for an hour the tip incentive for any of the staff is all but gone (they probably guess they won't get any) so the service level is less likely to suddenly shoot up. All you're doing is escalation of commitment [0]. I personally try to cut my losses when an evening already feels ruined. There's always a backup plan. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escalation_of_commitment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escalation_of_commitment