"I would make sure the people in front of me put there seats up at least during take-off and landing. This is because I value my own safety over their compfort."

Yes, but at what point can you claim during takeoff. On the descent they announce to raise seats etc but on take off there is no formal point when reclining is ok. If the person in front did it the second after the wheels left the ground, it could be claimed that he had it upright for take off.

I tend to recline my seat a few minutes after take off.

Dave