The tipping system is interesting because basically you are giving 15% to 20% of everything you eat, drink or consume to the waiter/institution.
If there are 5 people, it's like having the waiter/waitress dine with you for free. If you were going to order a 40$ bottle of wine but decide on a 60$ bottle of wine does the service level change.
I personally think that good service is enjoyable and should be tipped. It's when it crosses the line into an expectation that I have a problem.
For example; if you are in an amazing restaurant and you want to order a reasonable bottle of champagne and the sommelier takes the time to guide you, find you something and it's within your price range and is mind-blowingly good he should be tipped.
If all your needs are looked after and then more by the waiter and they help you navigate to a great and memorable meal they should be tipped.
Maybe a hybrid system is the best, but I don't think it would entice waiters whose base was now higher to perform better.
I know in Australia tipping is not the norm.
Just my random thoughts.
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