I see all your points, and concurr for the most part - it's a culture thing for sure and certainly changes with 'country'.

"meaningful gift" - absolutely!

"subsitute for wages"? - wasn't my intent to be read that way - the internet is a difficult medium for 'conversation' and meanings can be and are misconstrued easily.

"here - tipping is normal - restaurants, cabbies, you name it - these all expect close to 20% while cruise ship employees expect $100.00 per day for the ones who 'look' after you and your cabin - try that one on for size - just about brought on a heart-attack for me.That $100.00 might have been 'ea' but my memory shuts down on that trip.

Point is, here, one normally 'tips' for a job well done and in thanks/appreciation for that work on the hunter's behalf. I suppose we come to expect such gratuities and that isn't right - this thread is a wake-up call.

Go to the States and 'eat' in a good restaurant in a group of about 15 to 20 people - we had one waitress/server who did an incredible job as happened on a recent trip I made to Allentown Penn. We didn't know that 20% was automatically added to the final bill for the server's tip before it was given to us - (restaurant policy), so we added another 20% - she got a BIG tip that night - good job, well rewarded - no one cares. Had a great time, good food, great company, wonderful service - all for less than $50.00 each, food and drinks. We didn't feal demeaned, nor did she & I'll be a year's wages on that!