Well here in Australia people don't necessarily rely on tips to earn a decent wage. In some cases, award wages are almost fair enough and people can survive with a decent amount of hours per week as casual workers. Tips of course do help.

So for me, tipping is and always has been something offered in appreciation for excellent service or where a person may have gone above and beyond to make your hotel stay or dining experience (for example) a memorable one.

I worked in hospitality and tourism for many years and a lot of times went out of my way to make sure people were comfortable. Pulled strings to get them on certain tours, discounts around town and almost everything up to and including arranging flight itineraries and hire vehicles etc. Now, I did receive quite a few tips. Some even substantial. But most of the time people never offered more than a thank you. Which I suppose was enough given I was paid for my time anyways.

EDIT: Now that I think about it even the pizza guys where I order from won't even accept my tips.