Final answer:
The implied main idea is the complexity and social anxiety associated with tipping customs, as evidenced by Lorelei's discomfort. The additional context highlights the importance of tipping due to the reliance on tips by workers earning subminimum wages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The implied main idea of the paragraph you provided is about the challenges and confusion surrounding the culture of tipping. Lorelei represents people who find it difficult to understand the varying expectations for tipping different service workers. She struggles with questions such as whether to tip on a to-go order, how much to give to valets, and whether to tip hotel maids when not using their services. The underlying concept here is the complexity of the tipping system and how it can lead to social discomfort and anxiety.
Furthermore, the background reading provided sheds light on why tipping is so important, particularly in the United States where many service workers are paid a subminimum wage with the expectation that tips will supplement their income. Workers like waitstaff are often paid below the standard minimum wage because their tips are supposed to make up the difference, a system that can be very unstable and leave workers financially vulnerable.