In this era of outsourcing, "offshoring", and the general deflation of consumer prices, the vocal noises being made about expanding the gratuity concept really are at odds with reality.

Money in the service sector is headed away from things like tips. Not toward it. The lowest, "final" price will win the service sector game. Within a few months or years, I expect we will see more and more 'no-tipping' policies (where the waiters and bartenders are paid a standard wage).

Gratuities are an old custom in the US, and as I have stated above, that relates to two large non-standard-waged workers in that industry: waiters and bartenders. But that is the extent of it. Other people don't expect tips, and other people don't get them.