Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Toronto, NYC, somewhere on planet Earth
Programs: UA 1K, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 8,289
You have every right to recline your seat.
The worst was that the FA did nothing but thank you for your comment and ask you to not recline. Frankly, if this was a case of air rage or violence/intimidaition, the crew should have met this with zero tolerance.
IMO, if the cad had struck you, you would not be responsible, and hopefully those around you would testify to that!