You are absolutely right - you were entitled by the airline to be in First Class - he wasn't. You earned that by flying with the airline a lot.

When I read your post I immediately thought "security" as they could have been sneaking forward to try anything being nearer to the First Galley and the sensitive cockpit area. I know that this is far fetched - but I think that we woke up to the realities 5 years ago.

I do, however, think that you were far more courageous than me. I would have expected a torrent of abuse on arriving at IAH. Fortunately you report nothing of the sort - what does occur to me is to wonder if this man has pulled this sort of stunt before. He may think twice next time.