back to tipping.
i tip in a few select instances:
#1) when I wong out of a table, but want the dealer to save my seat. the dealer is doing me a courtesy of holding my spot, little do they know i'm waiting for a shuffle. this usually is necessary in packed houses for low-rollers like me. a $1 tip on leaving and return, is my M.O. that way if i leave really early in the shoe, like after 1 deck, but don't return for 10 minutes, they don't complain and you'd better bet that they hold my spot.
#2) when a dealer gives particularly good pen. i'll start off the shoe with a few $1 bets placed. this is the carrot approach to reinforcing good dealer behavior. i know a few dealers who really root for the players, when i see someone cut 1/2 a deck off a good 6D game, i'll gladly drop a few $1's out.
#3) when i like the dealer, when they go the extra mile to make the game more enjoyable for me. this could be anything e.g. carrying on a conversation, dealing fast, pen, keeping the pit off my nutsack, whatever. tipping is remembered and i've had dealers do 'favors' for me, small, ethical favors, that have helped me to exploit a profitable situation. even so much as being rude to other players so that they would leave the table and give up their seat for me. you have to be one charming bastard who tips to get dealers to do that for you, but i've been called charming once or twice before....