First of all, I agree with you guys that $40 might have been a bit low for what he got...
But having said that, you would be surprised what $40 can get you if you happen to connect with the MPA. Before I discovered this forum, I didn't know all these acronyms and terms like holistic, semi-legit, NR, BS, PS, etc. etc. nor what 'market' tips were.
Back then, I only gave $100 total ($40 tips) wherever I went. But I was never aggressive and was happy with just a basic HJ. However, over time I sometimes got close to the MPA and that HJ led to touching, then topless, then NR, then much much more and I always paid the same. The MPAs never complained and in fact, they would message me if they didn't see me in a while so it obviously wasn't about the money. A few went on to become faves and I still see them today even though a couple of them are no longer in the massage business. Of course, I wasn't trying to short-change them back then, I just didn't know any better and they never mentioned anything either. Having discovered this forum, I always give at least market now, if not a bit more...