It sounds a bit sucky in America. I've not witnessed this myself but there's some stereotype of Americans who are visiting Australia who get into altercations with servers, making them seem arrogant to us aussies. However, I've been told by fellow aussies who have visited America that they understand it, because the standard of service in America is AMAZING! This made me think, what's wrong with the standard of service in Australia? I always feel that most servers I've come across are helpful, pleasant and efficient (and when they're not I tend to blame their lack of training) but I suspect the tip system in America has something to do with this. I suppose, with servers relying on the generosity of tippers, they are more likely to suck up to the customers even when the customer is being unreasonable, because they need the tip. This could be seen as a good thing but not necessarily. They're more likely to favour one customer over other paying customers, more likely to be at the mercy of really jerky customers, maybe less motivation to work as a team (in case someone else gets the tip?)

And it just seems unfair to me that they don't get paid properly.