I think the article needs some perspective. He talks about not reclining on a Domestic flight, but what he's really talking about is recling on a ~1hr flight. Depending on the time of day and length of flight, I'd want to recline. That person in front of him may have connected from an international flight and be totally exhuasted.

I've done a "no frills" airline (you can't call them low cost when they tickets almost cost the same as a legacy carrier after you add in all the "extras") once here in Europe and it had no recline. After a week away and a day of last minute sightseeing I really wanted to recline my seat and chill on this 2.5hr flight.

The ettiquette I believe is not to recline during the meal service. If you're reading a broadsheet, then fold it over or download a version for you tablet pc to read.

I really think the author had a "no-news" day and had to write something to get his word count up enough so he would get paid.