Why is that our problem as customers, though? Why are we expected to subsidize worker wages instead of employers actually paying the workers that are critical to their success? Why do we let employers get away with the insultingly paltry wage of $2.15/hour?

Don't get me wrong, if you use a service where workers are reliant on tips, you should tip, but I'd rather just avoid the hassle most of the time. I'd eat out a fair bit more often if not for the not-mandatory-but-totally-mandatory 15-20% extra to subsidize the owner's greed.