I'm still a bit baffled by the concept of tippers getting exceptional service
What baffles you about that?
I go to a small number of places and tip very well.
I receive better service than the non-tipping customer and I expect it, because I pay for it.
The staff also give good service to other customers but just not as good as they give me.
Mainly that means they give me a table on walk-in and given a bit of time, a very good one.
I've also been to restaurants where I have tipped well and have received indifferent service. I didn't go back because I'm not going to waste my money.
But what I don't understand from the people who say they tip only in exceptional circumstances is what that is.
What do you think is exceptional circumstance? A tap dance?
One poster said that she tipped a waitress who was very nice to her children but added that she was probably angling for a tip.
With that attitude you can't fucking win.