I think the guy was wrong on this one. Just because you happen to be the individual who's seated closest to three of the window shades, that does not give you the sovereign right to use them to unduly annoy the rest of the cabin. Even if you have some questionable theory about biological clocks that makes you think it is morally right to do so (a type of attitude that reminds me of the jusifications used by religious zealots for some of their actions).

Most travellers in F have little interest in resetting their biological clocks; they're not going to be at their location long enough. Being in the plane is good "down time" to put some deposits in the "sleep bank", especially considering the days to follow are likely to be hectic one, and one has to often leave the house quite early, either for the transcon flight or more probably the previous connecting leg.

If you wish to stay awake to work and/or read, that's what the interior lights are for. I think if the FA complained about you're use of them, that would be out of line. Everyone gets one set of those lights and they are dedicated for your use.

Perhaps he can get one of those light-equipped eyeshades that are used to combat Seasonal Effective Disorder, if he needs to get more light into his eyballs.