My feedback was only meant to give a heads up to people (particularly non-US) as to what the expectations may be when visiting this particular lounge.

The concept of tipping in lounges is clearly controversial. By way of background, I lived in the US during the 90's & early 2000's. I was an Admirals Club member then and was informed by fellow traveling colleagues that when ordering drinks from the bar (paid for or not) it was customary to leave a tip. Therefore, my perception of what would be expected in the Bridge lounge was coloured by that.

I could have feigned ignorance and not even brought up the issue with the attendant, however that didn't feel right. At least the attendant was honest about his expectations and I wasn't particularly put off by that. At least I got to spend some quiet time in the lounge and had already had food and drinks in the Flagship lounge.

Next time I am there I will make sure I have a few dollars and leave a tip if I think appropriate. However, that's what will work for me. Everyone else should make their own judgement.