Not sure about the gratuities, but that steak does NOT look appetizing, at least to me! In particular, the layer of fat on the side closest to the camera.
I totally agree! They are being cheap. But as long as their ships sail full, at their current high prices, they have little incentive to change things.
In general, the more forward (or the more aft), and the higher up you are, the more motion you will feel. Since these rooms are as high up as you can get, and as forward as you can get, you are more likely to feel motion in these rooms.