Why only waiters?
I’m not saying I agree with the actions of the “emergency chute flight attendant” but I see where he’s coming from. He has one of those jobs (like waiters) where no matter how well you perform your job it doesn’t get noticed until something inconveniences someone else.
Every day when I take the subway I try to thank the conductor, they all appreciate it. When I get to work or leave I make sure to great the security guards or say “good night” to them. It doesn’t take any time or cost me any money but I can tell from the smiles I get that they appreciate it.