I've seen many arguments over reclining, but none sound quite like what you've experienced. Sounds like the Cabin Crew did a wonderful job to defuse the situation, and it's marvellous that the Police were available upon landing. Fortunately he didn't physically assault anyone.

Personally, I wouldn't even mind if an airline didn't offer a reclining seat on SH in Y. I can't remember when I last reclined in Y, even on LH. The argument becomes slightly different for LH when a lot of people can't afford W or J and require to still maximise sleep.