Very interesting comments on this subject. First I am short but sleep on all long haul flights actualy I sleep on all flights so I would be the guy reclining my seat.
I feel like if they did not want the seats to recline fix them so they will not interfer with another passenger. Remember "more room in coach" LOL i bet we all miss that perk!
I am just wondering if the OP has ever been in coach on an overseas carrier. I fly the NRT to wherever in Asia route many times a year in coach have you ever seen the leg room on there planes?
I think you should have re-routed, not flown or waited for the upgrade.If you had to fly just realize that coach is going to be a bad experience no matter what.