The Ann Coulter stuff is boring, but at least there is a pony somewhere under all that manure with the interesting example of the waitresses.

I would be interested in which people tended to tip more for bad attitudes, and what approach they took to spending. Personally, I wield my tips as a cudgel, and poor or unfriendly service never yields a tip of any kind--and I do tip generously for good, friendly service.

Is it because we prize frugality, that is we appreciate costs more? Whereas someone who is more of a spendthrift may just robotically tip because they want to be seen by their companions as the sort of person who can't be bothered to evaluate the attitudes of the staff. (This also touches on the psychology behind tipping, for it seems to be as much to impress those we are with as to reward good service. Would anyone paying for his date's meal be caught stiffing the waitress?)

The paradoxical thing is that people would not tip friendly waitresses at least as much as unfriendly ones. Maybe they just think the unfriendly ones are overworked, so they are increasing their tips out of pity. I can't fathom that logic myself but it could be a factor.