Ah yes... the media. I'm really curious to know where the Star Advertiser and AP get this reduction of 1 inch business? Nowhere have the dimensions been published, that I have seen. All HAL announced was that "The new lightweight seats are engineered to ensure a maximum amount of personal space without compromising legroom or comfort."
It's also funny that the takeaway from this story has become negative, with the headlines stirring up a frenzy of misinformed readers. Really? A seat that's already in the reclined position that doesn't recline further is going to be a deal breaker because it doesn't recline? Auwe! I wonder if this stuff ever gets proof read for logic and some semblance of an attempt to provide the reader with truthful and accurate information.
Can you disclose the recline angles (old seats fully reclined) and seat pitch of the old and new seats? That would add facts to the discussion.