Ok - lets get something clear:

Most people waiting tables are paid $2.13 per hour.

This is not the norm almost anywhere else in the world. Waitstaff depend on tips, and like it or not, "being nice to them" does not pay their bills. They don't make $7-15 per hour with some tips to boot.

So PLEASE use this piece of information with ANYONE who doesn't see the value in tipping any more than in the 5% range, or wants to offset their tip by being extra-nice.

<rant OFF>