I’m definitely not a novice to Royal with over 150 cruises.
Many, many Pinnacles remove the auto gratuities especially on Oasis and Quantum class ships. They eat in CK and tip every meal. If they do go to the MDR, they tip every meal and tip the head waiter at the end of the cruise. They give the host in CK a tip at the end as well as the CK manager.
If they go to the WJ, they leave $1-$3 under the plate or give it to the person clearing away the dishes.
How do I know? I’ve witnessed it.
The cabin stewards prefer cash tips. Many Pinnacles give the cabin steward $5pppd or MORE.
Cabin stewards prefer $70+ cash for 2 people for a week, than auto left on and $20+ cash.
Many Pinnacles bring specific gifts, snacks, candy and quality chocolate that crew want or requested on top of the cash tips.
Many D+ are following suit.