I think the mandatory gratuity has definitely changed the attitudes of some of the wait staff in the dining room. I don't expect perfection and subservience, but I would like to get what I asked for on time without a comment or attitude. The cabin stewards were excellent. In this economy everyone can be replaced. Our U.S. dollars are paying the salaries and if the staff doesn't like it they don't need to be there. There were many very nice staff that seemed happy and were enjoying their jobs. However when one of our party was injured in a fall no one acted as if they even cared and offered no help. Even the doctor couldn't be bothered when he wasn't on duty in the middle of the afternoon.
Attitude is everything, Carnival.