I agree fully.

You may not like the system we have here, you may dispute the legality of putting only part of the price of the meal on the menu, you may feel the system should change.

All valid points, but the fact remains that if you stiff someone whose livlihood depends on tips, you can't complain when people call you a big jerk. If I were to witness such behavior, in the US, I would indeed call that person a big jerk to their face.

I often host visitors from Europe and I impress upon them the necessity of leaving a decent tip in situations where it is customary and expected. Similarly, I don't go to Europe or Australia or wherever and complain, to all within earshot, how their society could be improved by becoming more like the US.