re: Another thread about tipping, this one really is a gray area

Depends on the place whether they "deserve" it or not. Some places use tipped servers to box everything. Having said that, that's an issue for the industry in general. As a customer you shouldn't be responsible for ensuring their workers are compensated appropriately or not and relying on tipped workers to handle things like that is a bullshite practice that may or may not be legal depending on locale.

In short tip if you want but don't feel obligated and I would definitely say something about being solicited for a tip.