Why do they put so much damn ice in iced coffee?

If all DDs do this then the simple answer is likely to do with profit margins. Whether it's widespread or just this location, simply request that they put in half of the ice that they normally do (or your desired amount of ice). My family lives in the UK. Because they don't use anywhere near as much ice as Americans, when visiting, they just request a small amount of ice. On the few occasions that they forget to ask, servers & counter personnel have always changed out the drink without any problem and without any attitude. I also have a couple of frugal friends who, at fast-food places, will ask for a drink without any ice plus a cup of ice on the side in order to get 2-3 times the normal amount--sometimes they want me to split the cost and the drink between us since they have 2 cups. No. While also insisting that we order diet cola which I don't drink. Double No. Thank goodness these aren't my only friends. Haha

No