If I have a window, and the view is not obscured by clouds, I'm unable to take my eyes away. The geography, geology, geomorphology on one flight (over land, not ocean) is worth a semester of classes.
Anyone so concerned about looking like a VIP who flies so much that it is all such a bore must be intellectually challenged or very needy for strangers' regard.
And I'll paraphrase the seat recliners here; if my seat (windowshade) reclines (opens), it is my right to do with it as I wish, regardless of other peoples' discomfort; after all, the airline must want me to recline (look out the window), or I wouldn't be able to.