i have to agree with the fa here, whether per protocol or not. I do understand you are on a red-eye and tired. However, the plane is still loading and the FA's are still trying to do their job and count passengers, etc. You failed to mention if the passengers behind you were already seated or not. If I was behind you, I would not have appreciated your seat reclined down to my knees, as it would have impeded my settling myself. I have taken red-eyes from LAX in business first and find it difficult to access my stuff with your seat in my lap. I do understand you want to get as much sleep as possible, but I for one do not take my sonatas until the plane is at 35K feet and out of the airport until I am sure there are no potential problems with my flight. If this is not the response you wanted to hear, I am sorry. You chose the red eye. You chose a crappy night's sleep. I am sorry that you have to wait until the plane is at 10K feet. So it goes.