Waiters/Waitresses should be paid more. Why? Because they take your order and maybe refill your drinks.
In today's restaurants:
The waitress DOES NOT seat you. Unless the hostess is missing they shouldn't.
The waiter/waitress takes your order. Check.
The waiter/waitress brings out your drinks. Check.
The waiter/waitress may, but more than likely DOES NOT bring out the meal. The person that does bring out the meal may not receive a portion of the tip. I usually serve the food myself, but in some of the restaurants I've worked in there is a server assistant/food runner who is responsible for this specific job. Whether or not I delivered the food I had to tip out to this person. Additionally any good server is going to run food whether or not it belongs to their table because who in the hell wants to eat cold food when you're paying for it. So it's a trade off, someone got to my order before me but I may return the favor later.
The waiter/waitress may or may not refill the drinks. (This has been the case in the past three restaurants I have been at. Same situation here.... Just because I'm working another section, doesn't mean I'm going to act like I'm blind when I pass through another server's. If I see you could use a refill, I'm on it.
The waiter/waitress takes the payment for your bill. Duh! They want their $$!
The waiter/waitress more than likely does not clear off the table. The person that does clear the table may not receive a portion of the tip. Same premise as the foodrunner here. The busboys are paid a hourly wage to do this so why wouldn't I let them? In addition, I had to tip out to them as well. Now during your dinner, if I'm giving you good service I'm more than likely going to clear some of the plates myself.
So what am I paying for? Not much if you ask me. When you tip your server, you are paying for the whole experience. If you rather be a cheap **** and shortchange everyone than stay home & do everything yourself. You won't be missed.