With the last gratuity increase, that's what we started doing. We travel as a family, and I am no longer playing the auto gratuity game. We used to pre-pay then tip additional. It adds up. All of that is out now. I tip who I want. I can't afford to tip every single crew member working onboard, which is the case many make for paying the suggested amount. I have no problem with tipping but as I wish to who I wish, which is the way it should be. And that's the way it's going to be for us unless or until they add it in the price of the cruise. And I'll only do it then simply because I won't stop cruising so I'll have no choice.
Whether cash tips are pooled or whatever the case, that is not my concern. I tip, say please and thank you, and enjoy my cruise. Period.