The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

I just entered a bar by the name of WTF last night when Brian Williams and Bill O'Reilly were about to leave, but were accused by the bartender of not paying their tabs, and the following discussion ensued: Bartender Don Juantopissmeoff: "WTF?" Bill O'Reilly: "You gotta problem, putz?" Brian Williams: "Were you talking to us?" Juantopissmeoff: "Yeah! You guys didn't pay your tabs! WTF?" Williams: "Really? I must've forgot. I'm terribly sorry. Here you are, and please, keep the change. I promise to not come back in here for six months." O'Reilly (to Williams): "Pansy!" Juantopissmeoff: "Okay, he's taken care of. Now what about you? Where's my money?" O'Reilly: "You wanna go?!? You wanna piece of this?!? I'll take you down like I took all those others down, with my two fists I call 'MC' and 'Hammer'!" Juantopissmeoff: "Seriously? W...

I'm curious to see a study which compares and contrasts the pros and cons of tips (as far as tipping waiters, bartenders, etc.). When many Europeans visit the States, they're often times confused by the concept of tipping. In their native countries, the "tips" are already built in to the overall salary, which makes for a more consistent annual wage. When they hear how much waiters and bartenders make per hour here, they're often times shocked and ask how they live off that. That's when the waiter or bartender explains the concept of tipping. I guess my question is, which is the better method overall? I think the theory in this country is that people will work harder for the extra tip - the "bonus" at the end of his/her job. If he or she doesn't excel, they deservedly won't be tipped well and if they do excel, the tip will reflect that and continue to inspire them to excel day in and day out. However, how often is that the case? Regardless...