Originally Posted by TMOliver

My, how enlightened is the OP....Submerged in too many lattes, too much self-indulgence and not much caring for others in any personal sense.

First, he ignores the fact that the restaurant (which could have embarrassed him, forcing someone else to pay, or holding him - presumably to wash dishes for the meals) lets him off on his honor - piffle, what honor? Likely no more than fear of pursuit - to fetch his cash.

Punish them? How novel; he "stiffs" the waiter for the tip, mindless that the waiter is unlikely to be the house policy maker.

I'm am far more troubled by the OP's cultural and economic blindness of anything beyond his own self interest, suggesting he starts asking before dining, as I can still think of any number of restaurants which don't take cards, including one semi-upscale boite which "renders an account" to me on sort of a monthly basis or when the owner-chef needs cash.

:-P