FT is interesting - different cultures sometimes rub up against each other..... I do think its funny that 38" can be termed First Class - seems to be an American thing, I don't know. Anyway, I think its unfortunate because the term drives expectations...

Actually that seat pitch is the same as what I get from EVA in their deluxe economy on the 747. They also have Business (44") and First (75" to 80").

When in deluxe economy (ie 38") I generally don't recline my seat much because I'm aware how much space it takes from the person behind. If the lights go out, or the guy behind reclines then I generally do the same if I want to. Often if he's awake then I'll just say "I'm going back, is that OK" or whatever. Just because the seat can recline, doesn't mean I feel its my right to go to the limit.

You said "after wheels up". Well I think I'd be annoyed if you did it rightaway - and I wouldn't have done the same, especially if someone was trying to read a newspaper. People often aren't in the mood to relax so quickly - and the only way people can relax if the guy in front reclines is to recline themselves. If there's a meal service, I'd always wait until that had been cleared away first. No excuse for his response though.

Frankly I wish 38" seats wouldn't recline as much as they do. Even better if they could be centrally controlled. (Or have a recline light similar to the seatbelt light!) But given they do, if someone in front of me reclined I'd put up with it without complaining.