OK OK, I understand your points about overpaying. I never try to act like a rich American, but a nice American. I guess I do feel sorry for the some people that I meet and just want to give a little extra for thier services.
When I'm in Bangkok, I always tell the taxi drivers to use the meter and if they don't I get out, but I always tip if they are nice.
When I stay at a hotel I always leave $1.00 on each bed per night and housekeeping always is extra nice to me.
These are just my ways, so please don't rip me to hard.