The implication here is that tall people have the right to recline, but short people (or kids) do not.

Or is it...tall people shouldn't be reclined upon, but short people are fair game?

C'mon - make up your mind.

I'm tall. I know what it feels like to be reclined upon. Therefore, I don't do it to others, regardless of their size. In this case, I feel for you because you were reclined upon, but the logic that small people shouldn't do it but tall people can is wrong.