Starbucks does better than most places in the wages and benefits department, but they are trimming hours and coffee is a fairly expensive commodity. The drink you get there is relatively more labor intensive than a coffee from Wendy's, for example. Your drink is made to order and usually the way you want it. There are relatively few staff for the level of business in many locations.

If your drink is too expensive for you, then don't buy it. And if you don't appreciate the service you receive, then by all means, don't tip. No one is forcing you and nobody there cares much and they don't give you an opportunity to add a tip onto your bill or guilt you into it.

I think some people recognize that working with the public in a low status service position like Starbucks is hard work, that their workers are somewhat skilled and take pride in their product/service, they are usually friendly and helpful, and when people are grateful or appreciate good service, they tip.

I think other people want to make a statement about their opinion of the worth or value of people and workers they consider beneath them by complaining about tipping.

You might not be either of those kinds of folks, but you seem to be headed in the stingy crab direction.

I always ask...if you are so disgusted by the expensive drinks or the idea that a Starbucks employee would receive a tip from a willing participant, why would you even go there? There must be something about the product/service you enjoy.

But if you can't or don't want to tip. Don't. Not my fault if your angry or feel guilty about it.

Why don't we tip at McDonald's, say? Their company policy forbids it.