We know where this is going - and only Kramer can save us.

“Bismarck, SD” 

Better version:

Cauliflower ‘rice’ (i.e. riced cauliflower) isn’t “crumbled up” cauliflower - it is made through a specific process called “ricing” (generally with the use of a tool called a “ricer”) so that it has the appearance and texture of rice, and is often used in place of (and in the same way as) rice.

Reminds me of this:

And the guest may not like what the host chose to pair with the meal, or simply brought what they brought because it is what they prefer.

Just... WTF.

“Olyphant then goes on to assure the audience that he’s a good pet-owner.”

Well, no - a BYOB is when guests are instructed by the host to bring what they themselves will be drinking, because the host is not providing it. That’s completely different from a guest asking if they can bring something to contribute.

No, tip pooling is based on tips received - not the restaurant’s sales. It would be illegal for an employer to require any employee to pay the salary of other employees.

Host: “I’m having a dinner party - would you like to come?”
Guest: “Sounds great - Can I bring anything?”
Host: “How about some wine or beer?” / “We’re all set, but if there’s something particular you’re like to drink then bring that!”

“just as they wouldn’t be expected to offer a guest a choice of anything in their fridge or pantry...”

Just because something might be a cultural norm doesn’t mean it isn’t passive-aggressive game-playing. If you offer something to someone because you expect them to refuse it (i.e. play along with the game), you’re playing games - even if it is traditional in your culture or circle. As is clear with letters like the…

The intent behind a ‘gift’ is determined by the person giving it, not the person receiving it.

“or you find the $2.00 gulf between pre and post tax tipping unassailable...”

“you would be saving money at the direct expense of another person.”

Well according to the letter, the bottle was still in the fridge - so I doubt that was the case.

Put it this way; any time I am invited to a dinner party, I always ask what I can bring - and I can’t imagine not doing so, so I am factoring this in as common practice.

Any host that would not allow their guest to drink what they prefer (and force something on them they don’t prefer or even like at all) with their meal is a bad host. I have been to multiple dinner parties where what the host was serving was not something I liked - I’m not going to drink something I don’t like because…