I'm not looking for compensation. No US airline offers meal service in economy as a standard. So like I said this was new territory for me. My wife was just super tired and wanted to rest, which is not really possible when seated upright. The way the trays are set up in coach, and with a 34" pitch, I can't imagine there is any impact to the rear passenger of a fully reclined seat. The trays are hinged with a telescoping arm rather than directly connected to the seat, plus they then slid closer to the passenger.
I guess this is a debatable topic. I just feel like if it's an enforced policy it should be in black and white. Common courtesy goes both ways. My wife needed sleep. Why is a meal a right but sleeping a privilege?