I think what you're seeing is a symptom of a wider "I don't feel like following rules" behavior by people in general. I think we've raised a generation to question all the rules and break them if they don't like them. Not just rules for behavior on an aircraft, everything. There was an article recently in a newspaper that alluded to the fact that passengers are more likely to follow the rules if they understand the reason behind the rule. Obvious problem is that the FAs don't have the time (nor should they have to) explain to some idiot why you need your seat back fully upright or why your tray table can't be down.