I agree with the fact that waitstaff knows the lousy pay when they take the job. And I also agree with the premise that the job may not require an advanced education or much technical training.

Having said that, aren't you the least bit empathetic towards someone who is working a low paying job, waiting on strangers no less...doing a job that is absolutely vital to society? I gotta feel for the person who is doing the best they can do by waiting tables. The job isn't easy. But they are working, and maybe this is the most skilled labor they qualify for.

Guess what??? If you want a waitstaff made of folks with advanced college degrees, you are going to pay for it in inflated food prices.

As long as the concept of 'being waited on' exists, you will always have a need for waiters. For any of us who feel grateful to NOT have to wait tables for a living, or grateful to not have any other crappy job, the idea of throwing a few extra bucks on the table for a job well done (that is, if the job was done well) for someone who would be very grateful to receive such money, seems like a very simple way to 'pay it forward'.

And no, I've never been a waitress. But I am a good tipper.