Reclining seats are very much a mixed blessing. With so little space to start with, losing another few inches when someone in front reclines can make a flight very uncomfortable. I've witnessed a few 'heated' exchanges over this. My worst personal experience was on an old 757 ?Astraus, a few years back - the guy in front reclined- his seat came so far back I could have performed dental surgery on him!!
I try not to recline in economy, but, if the person in front does, there's little option and I usually end up apologising to the person behind me before I attempt to reclaim my space. On occasion, I've just had to play 'sardine' as there's a child sitting on a parent's lap. Makes a lot more sense at the front in premier where the seat spacing is more forgiving.