Compared with Japanese carriers, who tend to have more generous seat pitch I understand where OP is coming from.

But I've always liked the 77W economy seats. In fact, I have a simple test - can I work on my laptop or not. With the person in front reclined (I had to recline a little, but not the whole way), once I worked all the way from LAX to NRT on SQ in 77W economy seat. Likewise from SIN to LHR on the A380. On recent QF A330 flight between MEL and SIN, my knees were constantly touching the seat back, and the only way I could use my laptop was turn around and rest it on my knees (as the seat next to me was empty), no way I could use it on the tray table. Not that comfortable doing this. As always YMMV.