PDT 2/2 : Why has tipping increased?

[KJS]

I think it is very simple: people came to the conclusion that, regardless of percentage, less than a buck is inexcusable, a buck is not really that great and a couple bucks is better. It is a small leap from there to 'what can 2 bucks get you nowadays: not much', so I'll leave 3 or 5. Pretty soon you are routinely tipping in the 20+% range on your low and mid-priced meals in order to leave something you view as substantial and it becomes your standard, even when you are dining at higher end places.

When you could actually buy a beer or something for a buck or 2, that tip seemed OK. When those prices went up, those tips seemed lame.

KJS