Tipping is now an established American custom - despised by cheapskate Europeans who are excoriated on my favorite blog, Waiter Rant.
Very true. My point was merely that I see movement away from tipping culture as being less about acquiescing to Eurotrash and more about embracing something that was traditionally American and reflective of our better times.
I will add, however, that, considering the fact that it IS the current custom and waiters DO depend on their tips for the livelihoods, I think that people who refuse to tip (and to tip well when warranted) are the absolute scum of the earth.