Originally Posted by
CPRich
the definition of pitch (dot pitch, gear teeth pitch, etc.) is as defined.
With that, I agree. Pitch has a very standard definition. Moreover, it's also an independent property useful for the airlines - the pitch alone is what determines how many rows can fit in a given cabin configuration, independent of what the actual legroom may be.
Originally Posted by
CPRich
But since most seats are fairly standard thicknesses, the relative measurements are meaningful. 32" pitch will give you more room than 30" pitch, even if they are really only 28" and 26".
With that, I disagree. Newer seats (especially the very latest generation) are substantially thinner than old seats, many of which are still flying. Therefore, a 32" pitch with an old seat may give you the same, or even less, space than a 30" pitch with the newest generation of seats. This is why, for example, UA's upcoming 777 reconfiguration is rumored to reduce pitch but maintain legroom - because they are switching to newer, thinner seats.
I don't think that pitch is a misleading quantity - it has a very specific definition. However, pitch alone does not translate directly to legroom, without knowing the actual seat dimensions... and these
can vary significantly depending on the seat make and model.