pat--I am old and crotchety as well, and I totally agree with what you say. If we like the service or if it's even somewhat reasonable, we tip 20% or more. If they add 15% automatically, I tip zero extra. What I really object to is that many tourists don't expect to see an automatic tip, and so, having had a cocktail or two, often don't even see that the 15% has been added. If there's not a statement on the menu regarding the auto tip, I think it could be construed as an intent to deceive the customer..