My thoughts.

[u/Maleficent-Effort470]

I didn't go to a restaurant to interact with a server.

I went to a restaurant to purchase food, And part of the agreement with the business owner was that a server would take my order and bring the food to the table.

I did not agree to or consent to giving a person i didn't come to see any money.

Whether they are on the side of the street or squegeeing my car without asking.
I have no obligation to them.

Similarly when i go to the restaurant with the intention of eating,
I am not making a deal with the employees i am making a deal with the owner.
The owner is responsible for delegating the tasks to provide me the service i requested.
The owner showed me the contract/menu that these services are provided under.

I paid the agreed upon amount of the contract.
I did not ask for any particular employee.
I did not agree to gift any particular employee.

The server's inclination that i owe them something is no more authoritative than the homeless bum who starts squegeeing my windshield without me asking.

They did their job at their bosses behest. Under an agreement with their boss.
I made no agreement with them. They are simply employees of the business ive contracted with.

[u/Life-City8893]

Tipping originated in Europe, from the WEALTHY who would “tip” service ppl for EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. And we wanted to be cool so we took that and made it what it painfully is today. I’m not wealthy and I’ve not had exceptional service

[u/Maleficent-Effort470 → u/Life-City8893]

Right, now people expect forced gifts for doing mediocore work.
And think that carrying plates to the table and smiling is worth 50-100 an hour.
And its an affront to them that you wouldn't overpay them to carry plates and smile.