I don't want to start a nationalist flame war here, but: you and I should agree to disagree on this one. (Austria was lovely, though, from one end to the other.)
It is not, for what it's worth, my contention that tipping is the only way restaurants can work, or even the best one; only that it is a rational system.
I don't disagree on that, and I can see both how it developed and why some people prefer it.
But as a participant in interactions where tipping is expected, I very subjectively find it somewhat exhausting. I'd happily pay more, on average, and be rid of the (albeit small) decision each time.
> Austria was lovely, though, from one end to the other.
What gave me away? :) I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you did tip – contrary to what some guide books say about Germany and Austria, tips are very much expected, although at a different percentage than in the US. (Coffee house waitstaff in the latter being rude is to be expected regardless of your tip rate – supposedly it's part of the charm.)
Regarding my experience with non-tip cultures, these are mostly limited to a few countries in Asia (where waitstaff will at least anecdotally follow you onto the street, returning your tip/accidental overpayment).
Nothing gave you away: Austria (particularly Vienna, but also Salzburg) were simply the examples that jumped out of my mind as the best service experiences I had in Europe. We tip everywhere, even when it marks us as obnoxious Americans; we're well (over)trained by our culture. :)
What you're saying here, about tipping being exhausting: I don't deny that at all. I can absolutely understand the preference against it. And: Japan is a good counterexample: very good service culture, no tipping.
It is not, for what it's worth, my contention that tipping is the only way restaurants can work, or even the best one; only that it is a rational system.