Is the situation really that black and white to you? Seems like some consideration from the person who's seat reclined would have been reasonable. I can't argue with your logic about choosing reclining seats vs. getting assigned a seat that doesn't recline, but I can't say that I disagree with the OP's thought that he's entitled to a little personal space. Doesn't sound like he asked the person in front of him not to recline. Just not to recline as much. A little give and take never hurts, especially in such close quarters.