Dude (the OP), if there's one thing I've learned in the past 4 years (I'm 22 and just graduated in June). There are lots of losers out there. Losers are everywhere and they'll try to bring you down. Don't let them. You can do what I would have done in the situation and just kept quiet (maturity, poise etc), or talked back to him (instant gratification and putting the guy in his place).

As for Sadiq Hassan, dude don't worry about flying in J. I've only done it once, on an upgrade on UA and loved it, but if you feel more comfortable flying in Y (I would obviously prefer to fly J), then that's what you feel and no one should bug you about it, fly Y. I have read that the King of Norway still flies in coach, as do plenty of people who are loaded beyond belief, so no big deal. Don't feel guilty or anything though. There are far more important things to worry about then where you are sitting on a plane, its seat pitch, the wine selection, lounge access etc etc etc.