I can't say that anyone fiercely defends the tipping culture. I certainly don't. I would much prefer a system where workers get paid a decent wage and the full price, including goods and service, were on the price list. Fantastic. Great. Wonderful.

HOWEVER, it is simply not that way in most parts of the United States, especially in travel-related industries. In certain areas, people rely on tips as a good share of their income, and denying tips under the theory that "it should be different" does nothing more than make the non-tipping customer look like a big jerk, and impoverish the individual performing the service.

Another consequence is poor service when you return to the establishment. "Oh, look, here comes Mr Big Shot. Let's stick him at the table next to the restroom. No tip from him, so will send over our least experienced trainee waiter." If you justify stiffing the tip on the grounds that "back home we don't do that", you can guarantee that your compatriots will end up at that restroom adjacent table with the trainee waiter.

As I said before, I don't care if you think it's wrong. I don't care if you think our tipping system is stupid. You come to America, tip like Americans.

We have to do it your way when we are there. Do it our way when you are here.