The way you describe it sounds like a micro trickle-down wealth redistribution rather than making sure someone has a fair wage.

Personally I find this really frustrating. You're not paid fairly for your labor. You only achieve a living wage through the generosity of those "happy to help boost" me. In my mind that reinforces a power dynamic between the "professionally successful" and those in the service industry. If I get a tip that raises my wage to something I can live off, now I must be profusely thankful to the person that donated their money to me.

I may be isolated in that opinion. I understand many service industry workers prefer tipping. For my personality though it's distressing.