I think this is symptomatic of the only common denominator - it is indicative that Phil has made an arrangement with them. The tipping pattern is his, not theirs; he just suggests it and likely lays out the time frames so he knows when to expect it so he doesn't get duped by a troll tip. In exchange, the whales do a little to kick start the tips, and then shore up the difference at the end to save themselves a little money. Phil gets the goal, but he also minimizes the time has has to spend wearing the stupid shit he hates. The tipping pattern became a common sight during the vest streak once the goals became the most important thing, and OiC was trained with several other whales at that that time.