Once upon a time, long, long ago, the airlines didn’t attempt to pack people in like sardines and this sort of thing didn’t happen.
Now I avoid flying like the plague, but I’d be pretty PO’d if I bought a seat which reclined and someone behind me told me he didn’t much care for it.
If you want room to spread out, then spring for a First Class seat.
If YOU want room to spread out, buy a first class seat!