OK, first my stupid n00b question... coming from my last MMORPG where you could simply tip someone by putting /tip $$$ in the chat bar and it would send the tip to their bag, is there such a way to do this in WoW or must you open a trade window? Just wondering on that.
As for tipping, I believe in tipping. Though having said that, (prepare for the double sided arguing with myself) it isn't like any 70 couldn't take 15 minutes run a few dailies in QD and have more than enough $$$ to buy mats - just the same to tip someone doing a service for you. I've tanked some stuff and never gotten a tip. Granted tanks fall into that role (usually) voluntarily, they are providing a service so they can help other generally get good loot. They take the most damage and will usually have the highest repair bills. Though they are in a group and need the DPS roles and CC roles to make things go smooth. How about on BGs, I see people always asking for tables in the BGs and 50% of the time there is no issue, the other part it might be because the mage ignores everyone or says they don't have the regs. Then people ***** and whine about how cheap mages are. Ungrateful, unprepared turds (the whiners not the mages). Point is I guess in a group you do things without expecting a tip - it is for the mutual benefit of everyone so everyone just does their job.
So imo, if I am running up to someone unknown and asking for a port or a summon, I say yes I should offer a tip. For food or water offer it, for a table or something requiring regs offer. If you are a mage and aren't doing anything and someone comes and asks politely for water the few seconds of conjuring and trading won't kill you, so refuse the tip. If you are going out of your way to stop doing something and help then, take it for your inconvenience.
My mage is only 19 and has been put on hold as my main approached 70. But now I am starting to work on it him again. So, as I get into the higher levels, maybe I will feel different. But I think at least offering a tip, even if only a few gold is the way to go. If you were not inconvenienced then refuse it, it isn't like a few gold is tough to make at the higher levels. On terms of being constantly asked to do something, I understand where you come from. Being a feral druid in the OL iI couldn't log on without having 5 whispers coming at me asking to tank this or that within a minute of logging on.
Now if you look at other classes, like a rogue leveling lockpicking and needed your chest to do it, I do not think they should expect a tip as you are helping them out, not the other way. An enchanter that is doing enchants to get their skill higher with your mats... maybe a small tip as some enchant spells are expensive, but realistically you are helping them out. The conjuring of food or water doesn't do anything for a mage in terms of XP (that I'm aware of) so yes a tip should at least be offered.
This is all imho - if you feel differently, then you are entitled to do so.