I don't agree that the ability to recline should be removed, because often there is no-one behind, which means there is no-one to affect. Or, even if there is someone behind, that person is fast asleep in a reclined state and there is no way it would affect them anyway.

Some people's rudeness should not be to the detriment of others. By removing the ability to recline, it not only affects rude, inconsiderate people but those who are considerate. If we set everything for the lowest common (or even uncommon!) denominator, where does it stop? Ban Skype in the lounge so that people can't talk without headsets on their iPad? Ban Internet in the lounge altogether except for emails so that people can't download large files?

However, there should be an etiquette-based rule that the seat must be put upright during meal service if there is anyone behind you, or the person behind minds having the seat reclined into him for a reasonable reason (trying to work on his laptop but there is no space to open it, or is tall and has his legs against the seat back etc).

I do not mind if someone reclines into me as long as I still have enough space to do what I want to do. I do not find it rude if someone reclines towards me, except during meal service, although I do not recline unless there is no-one behind me or it's not possible for me to adversely affect the person behind me for whatever reason.