“What about servers who actually make good money in tips? Do we punish them for being good at what they do by taking away their tips, and reward those who are not as good at what they do?”
Well, again, how do you insure that with ANY job? That the best employees get recognized and compensated? It need not be different for waiters. Like most job functions, if you have really great service the best thing you can often do is seek out management in person or write them a letter and let them know that said employee - by name - has provided you with superior service. People don’t do this often enough. No restaurant manager worth their salt will want to lose a good waiter. They know that a positive dining experience is driven by both good food and good service.