Exactly what is the service being tipped?

For a waiter, I'd expect them to take the order, deliver drinks, refresh drinks, deliver multiple courses in proper sequence, check in on us, bus the empties, and provide information. Doing this among a number of tables is real work.

Room service charges already come with the 'delivery' charge, so there is the extra paid for the mere delivery. Beyond that, what is the service provided by the deliverer- "Just set it down there, please?" And then the dirty empties sit outside my door in the corridor for the next 12 hours?

So, OK, I'd tip a buck or two beyond that... but 17% of an already inflated ticket is too much.

So when I'm presented the bill to sign, I look at it and mumble, "so a tip is included, right?" That's a yes or no question, and the proper answer is a simple 'yes.' I sign, thank the deliverer, and quietly close the door behind them. If they have a problem with it, they can take it up with their boss; my part is done.

I love to tip generously; I just hate when what is supposed to be a 'tip' is imposed upon me without choice.