The NY experience could work either way!
Personally, I get so fed up with the tip, tip culture, now even in takeaway coffee shops, etc, I tend to tip less!
Each to his own. I posted recently about my first experience in Bangkok, back in the Stone Age. Young guy had snake tattoo on lower chest with open fangs poised over his pubic hair. I found that very sexy!
This seems to be another example of floating a proposal, not necessarily serious, to gauge reaction then if hostile, you can deny proposal. I think some members earlier had a name for this, but I can't remember it!