Comparing Gratis to tipping is a ridiculous analogy. Tips is the way to appreciating excellent service. People who don't tip are willing to spend thousands on personal gratification but won't share their treasures for excellent service. Tips tell the server how well they are delivering a service.
I bought a pair of shorts online yesterday. At checkout, it gave the option for a tip! To who, for what?
Words matter:
TIP: A piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert. [i.e., exempla gratis, e.g.]
e.g., Don’t bet on the horses.
GRATUITY: A small sum of money given for a service —over and above— what is due.
Related Words: donation, gift .
Something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owed.
The Latin root:
Gratis is a direct Latin word that means "free of charge" or "without needing payment".
Comparing Gratis to tipping is a ridiculous analogy. Tips is the way to appreciating excellent service. People who don't tip are willing to spend thousands on personal gratification but won't share their treasures for excellent service. Tips tell the server how well they are delivering a service.