- Some of the definitive statements on the topic are a bit silly as seat pitch and width differ between airlines and individual planes.

- Some people are so tall that the person in front cannot recline; more are tall enough that it would make them uncomfortable.

- But, the number of people who complain about recliners is dubious given that 4% of US men are 6'2" or taller and 1% of US women are 6'0" or taller.

- For some people, reclining is a near necessity due to back issues. You cannot necessarily tell who these people are based on appearance.

- Permitting reclining is almost certainly the net societal gain in comfort.

- When you pay for a seat, you assume the right to recline and the risk of being declined upon.

- If it's a big deal to you, given that pitch varies, you can buy tickets strategically, both in terms of which airline you choose and where on the plane you sit.

- Reclining is more of a benefit/expectation on certain flights (longer, later trips).

- But, people should be respectful.

- If reclining is a true necessity for you and the guy behind you is 6'10", perhaps you could explain and request a seat swap with someone.

- The probability of this scenario is low.

- Most viral blowups involve the collision of two misbehavers.

- There seems a decent chance this lady was unduly obnoxious.

- The guy behind her is acting like a petulant child and should be absolutely ashamed.