<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fastflyer:
...many other employee groups appear to expect tips more and more frequently.
...I also assert that the vast majority of people do not tip for these sorts of traditionally-non-tipped services.</font>
Let me make this clear - I agree 100% with you. I do not tip the Starbucks people, I do not tip the dry cleaners, I do not tip the cashier at the deli/grocery store, whatever. I find that "tip jar" practice unacceptable and offensive.
Having said that, there are specific instances where tipping is customary and expected, like cleaning people, waiters, bartenders, and others. I am not promoting adding any categories to the to-be-tipped group of workers. I agree with others that not tipping the cleaning people is not the way to go, and it is not optional, like oh, I used only one towel, now I don't have to tip the chambermaid.
As I said before, you can do what you want, I have no power to force you to tip, nor do I want that power. However, you simply MUST tip the cleaning people if you want to be taken seriously.
I imagine the cleaning people who are stiffed by customers tell the GM or front desk people who then make a notation in that person's hotel/companyh profile for the next visit, and then do not go out of the way for them.