I Suppose This is "Uncivil"

[Brian37]

The practice of tipping began in Tudor England. "By the 17th century, it was expected that overnight guests to private homes would provide sums of money, known as vails, to the host’s servants. Soon afterwards, customers began tipping in London coffeehouses and other commercial establishments".

Wikipedia || Gratuity

Somehow, I'm rather skeptical of your narrative, Brian.

What "narrative"? 

It certainly is possible to earn a living off of tips. All I said is that for most who do, it is break even at best. There are far more who work restaurant and delivery whom have it as a summer job already having support as a teen or college student, or if they are adult workers with kids, they have to work more than one job and that is far more difficult, unless you work at say the Ritz Carlton. 

I have been to Japan and my X wife can tell you, most service places the workers do not take tips. 

I worked Pizza delivery myself for several years, and no, you cant live off of that without a second income or family support. At least not in the town I worked in. I can tell you between my rent, utilities, car insurance, and car maintenance even with the tips and minimum wage it was barely enough, and I was single. Wait staff make even less per hour at sit down restaurants not including the tips.