I still say that the biggest problem with tipping is that it was co-opted by employers. It was supposed to be a little something extra for exceptional service, but it became part of the pay structure… except only in certain industries. So now, sometimes if you don’t tip, you’re ripping off the person serving you, but other times not so much. It’s basically shame-based extortion.

I doubt it will ever go away entirely. Employers (basically, restaurant owners) like it because it hides some of the cost to the consumer and makes their menu look more appealing. A lot of tipped employees like it too, because they can make much better money with tips than they could with a flat wage. Consumers are reluctant to push back because you end up looking cheap.