It pays to be nice...simple rule, more honey more service. A smile and appreciative attitude is just the way to act period. If that gets you a stiffer drink or someone overlooks your card, it's none of my business...they know genuine concern when they see it. Most of those had nothing to do with an extra tip either. We appreciate people who serve us, that's all, whether it "Gets" us anything doesn't matter, but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth. And yes, it does make a difference in brand loyalty. And by the way, we've had multiple incidents of restaurant and bar managers "giving" us bottles of wine etc. if we even mention we are not pleased about something. So they all do it whether it's policy or not...and it's not a secret.