I agree with WellingtonFF that the legroom (or to be more precise, the footroom) in row 1 is not very generous, so for that reason I go for row 2 whenever possible. I'm also similarly lanky so legroom is a priority for me. Re the recline, last time I was in J on a 320 (a few weeks ago) I was wondering whether the recline on the row 1 seats was better - certainly the recline in row 2 is nothing special. Then again, those seats aren't much cop for sleeping in anyway, so I'd rather go with the superior legroom.
FWIW, food service often seems to start in row 2...