Very insightful and I Agree on all points. Tip is already being paid. I used to tip 20% but it simply isn't necessary. You are also tipping the price of the propina legal and itbis instead of simply the cost of the mealbwhich is ridiculous.
Giving people more money makes them ungrateful and entitled. I've seen it in my own business dealings the past 10 years. It is counter intuitive but thats just how it is. I think this is more true of people who are in lower economic class/better said have lower economic class habits and worldview. It is beyond the scope of this conversation but as Maria said what should be viewed as a bonus that one is grateful for becomes an expectation that if not received leads to very negative energy and a bad attitude/mood.
Finally, eating out here can indeed be expensive. I tend to frequent places where I get a good deal on prices for the quality of food. I DO NOT go to expensive places where most items on the menu are over 1-1,500 pesos as I understand the value of a meal well cooked but do not value fancy places with lots of value added into the menu. I PERSONALLY don't have this problem, and compared to where I come from the restaurant prices are dirt cheap but I get this and agree. There are countries where one can travel and pay significantly less for the exact same quality of meal.
I order a lot of food on Pedidosya from well known cafeterias here in San Cristobal. I can count on one hand the times I have gotten an average meal. I'm with you, there's no need to spend big bucks for food.