Can't imagine how splitting up a check is that much of a pain unless your system sucks or the server sucks/is lazy when putting in the orders. The only parties I always hated were the old bitties who ordered quiche and hot tea and tipped the change on their $9.14 bill.
Bartenders today have it easy. Open/pour a beer, simple shots, and the occasional tropical drink. 20 years ago we made the shit out of rock lobster shots, melon balls, purple hooters, Dr. Pepper shots, etc.
Did love the fact that you could make a mai tai, hurricane, sex on the beach, or a rum runner the same exact GD way as the other and pass it off with no problem.
Bottles of sloe gin, cherry liqueur, sambuca, amaretto probably go untouched for years at most bars now.