Here is an alternate view. The person who is asking you not to recline is essentially taking up some of your "paid" space. And while I would by no means treat a fellow human with disrespect I do not make my travel purchases based on other passengers needs. If they have space/comfort issues then it is up to them - not you - to plan accordingly.

The passenger in back of you basically said "I want you to be more uncomfortable so I can be more comfortable." So you sound like a better person than me. I probably would have asked him to reimburse me for my recline space (okay.. maybe not but I probably would have reclined anyway..especially on a long haul).