I think we need some consolidated threads on seat reclining, bare feet/feet on the armrest/bulkhead, kids in first class, and tipping. Any new thread should be merged into the old one.

Anyway, I think he was in the right to ask you to raise your seat during taxi, as this is for his own safety. My personal opinion is that coach pitch is too tight to allow seat reclining. However, the airlines allow it anyway so I can't fault you for doing it when the airline allows it.