The answer, I'm afraid, is that if you want more legroom you'll just have to pay more. Either buy Economy+ (or whatever your airline of choice calls it) to get those extra three inches of legroom or splurge and move up to First. Airlines have listened to their customers and have decided that most people want the lowest possible fare, no matter the discomfort that goes with it.
Personally, I think you’re absolutely correct.
However, it would seem there is a significant number of leggy Freepers who’d be ready to start a fistfight to prevent reclining.