I follow all of those rules for tipping and quite frankly, tipping does ensure better and faster service. If you do it often enough and to the right people, you get top notch service.
I went to a wedding the other day and dropped the bartender a $20 off the bat. When the party was 2-3 hours there was a line at the bar. I went straight to the front and the guy served me next, no questions asked. I just quietly stood to the side and the bartender immediately took care of me.
I agree with the rest that tipping for doing your job gets me pissed, like the guys at the deli or the grill who makes my food. I hate to see a ****ing tip jar in front of me. I have now started to see tip jars at subways sandwich places
