>>>>Then again, my family goes to the same places in general area and so the servers at places like Chili's, Longhorn, etc. recognize us, and servers seem more responsive when they spot regulars.
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>>>>Andy and I tend to frequent the same places and, in general, we tend to tip very generously there. However, a couple of times, we got really dreadful service from servers that we had consistently tipped very generously. When that happened, they were lucky to get 10% - they quickly learned that if they do not provide good service, they will not get the usual generous tip.
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>>>I cannot get used to tipping the waiter for just an average meal. I had to be told that it is expected to tip at least 10% in the US. Up here, you just pay what is on the bill. And if you like, a couple of euros extra. But tipping over 10% is regarded very generous over here.
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>>Waiters here are probably on a near living wage and not in a "trickle down" economy.
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>I understand the difference in culture and wages. It is just very unnatural to me. Once I bought a piece of swarovski in SF where the price tag said $150, I had to pay taxes on top of that, I was stunnedm . it just does not make sense to me

Tipping? Depends on local customs. Over here they get wages, so tips are only in the sense of round up - to the level of my satisfaction or to honor the pain the kids create. ;)

Drive with a taxi in Sweden - the driver is automatic taxed with 115% of the bill. Any idea about the tip?

The british way makes more clear how we are robbed.
In germany and in the Netherlands the tax is "hidden", in fact in germany there is a law that forces the pricing the way you prefer.
IOW it is forbidden to price net[ + VAT] to consumers. The explicit meaning of this law is to hide the tax and keep "social peace".

Since I'm an independent I can act as "business" - and now I see the net prices at wholesale shops etc..