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Most unfortunate and unnecessary, and a massive over-reaction from the passenger in row 8. The recline on that seat isn't exactly huge, and is not really at the knee level. When people do this sort of thing, whether in a pub, a bus, a restaurant, an aircraft, dozens of people are affected and put unnecessarily at edge just because one person can't control their temper.
Personally I would never recline on shorthaul, but those that do have every right to do so. While it lasts, that is, since the newer Recaro seats have no recline at all, though a bit more knee room.
I don't know what others think, and it's difficult to be definitive from the photo, but the passenger looks like he has slumped down the seat somewhat. He would have had more space if had sat up straight in the seat, which the new seats pretty much impose on you.