I'm not well off.
I have been in positions that without government help I would not have made it, I have been blessed the last 10 years, but am starting to struggle greatly again. When I'm struggling, I eat at home. If I go out to eat it's with the expectation that I will be able to tip appropriately, if I can't, I don't go out, period.
I understand "lavishly" is a relative term, but I still believe if you can't afford to tip what the service is worth (maybe not tip 50% for exceptional service, but at least 25%) then you shouldn't have gone out.....
Sigh. Not getting through.