Daisymae
That's definitely odd behaviour in the UK. I generally tip 10 per cent and nothing if the service is poor. I know that a lot of people don't tip, can't be the first time it's happened. My brother was in the States years ago and gave the waiter a dollar. The waiter gave it back and said that you obviously need it more than me! Of course they rely heavily on tips there but generally give 5* service.
I think it's quite demeaning that someone has to metaphorically hold their hand out for money from another person; whose generosity will depend on how they view that individual's behaviour and attitude - or might even depend on their whim at the time. Master-and-servant... and the 'servant' has to be gracious and show gratitude - possibly sometimes to those whose behaviour is not very pleasant.
I think it's archaic, undignified and rather soul-destroying.
Someone who waits on tables is doing a bloody job and should be paid a proper wage for it.
And yes, I know it will increase the cost of the meal - but 'competition' - one of the backbones of Capitalism, should have a mitigating effect... if you charge too much, customers will go elsewhere.
Just because your job is customer-facing, doesn't alter the fact that it's still a job. You are giving your time and labour, and that should have a value that doesn't depend on the whimsy or caprice of the person you are dealing with.