Anyone ever notice when you go to restaurants that have gratuities automatically added to your bill "for your convenience" that the service is generally worse than if it were optional?

How about when there parties of 6 or more?

I am a strong believer in tipping, yet I always notice that when servers are guaranteed a tip, they seem to take the customer for granted.

On a few occasions, I have reduced the amount automatically added due to poor service. One time, we left no tip after a 400.00 tab when we actually had to go to the bar to get our drinks due to the poor service. The waiter, in this case, ignored us repeatedly and was very rude and impatient when dealing with our party.

Thoughts?

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