It'll be interesting to see how much this changes, if at all, with the new tax laws. If the amount is automatic and the customer has no opportunity to change it, then it is not deductible on the server's taxes. Of course, many restaurants make a point of saying "this is a service charge, not a grautity" so they're soaking you twice. I wonder what the statistics are for tips in those cases.

Unfortunately, I think tipping is here to stay until we start thinking of service positions as worthy, as most of the world does. Let's face it; as a society, we in the US still look down on this line of work as menial labor unworthy of recognition.