So you see it as an insurance policy? How bizarre

I've always found it strange that Americans believe they should supplement the income of others (on poor wages) from their own post-tax income. I don't tip in America and I don't give money to beggars in the street in Thailand - it just perpetuates a lousy tax and social system. Americans have a proud boast about their low taxes - but pay informal taxes to selected individuals through their tipping practices. As I made clear in my original post, even were I inclined to tip the maid, the irritation she causes by stuffing up the bedside alarm day after day after day after day ater day after day after day (and the hotel management won't take corrective action) ...