I really doubt that it was a "culture of respect and courtesy".

I'd bet that it had more to do with their need to do some sort of work that required the use of the tray table and a keyboard or pen, and/or a desire to not wrinkle something that requires dry cleaning.

jb3t, all I can say is that if you honestly think that the "scraggly headed woman" was inconsiderate, or wrong, for having reclined her seat in order to be comfortable................then you are in for a boatload of extreme anxiety and disappointment from the human race during your lifetime.....