I'm sorry I'd hate to say this (since I am a LARGE fellow ), but that lady should have upgraded to at least an exit row if she knows that she has a problem with tight spaces.

You have every right to recline just as much as the person in front of you. Perhaps if the couple had asked you nicely to not recline then it probably would have been easier to simply ask the person in front of you the same. You are to nice. The only way I would have considered sitting up would be if I was asked nicely. Treat others that way you'd like to be treated.