Maybe you "server" complainers have already met the servers before.
Say, Applebees...Chili's...or any of the other $2 an hour+tips joints.
Where the server was excellent, serving your party of 8...and you left a $5 tip, and felt good about it.
Should you happen to be the only ones in the place, and your server sucked, you would have reason to complain.
Try dealing with the 6 "Church Widows" that show up every Sunday, think they are the only ones being served, complain about everything, then leave $2 on the table.
Try dealing with the late night drunks that show up, then can't remember what they ordered...or blame the server because their food isn't right.
You knew Croc Ed's wouldn't be cheap...and if your food sucked, I'm sure a complaint to the manager would have resulted in a refund, no charge...etc...you know communication works most often.
Did you finish the food, although it was bad? Sounds like it.
So...stick to the establishments you cannot go wrong with. The "feed bag, all-you-can-eat-for one low-price" joints...then watch for, and rush the "bins" when the next food is brought out.