If the person in Row 1 reclines slightly into Row 2, and then the person in Row 2 reclines slightly into Row 3, and so on, doesn’t everyone still “own” the same cubic inches of space, just slightly re-angled? Except the guy bolt-upright against the bulkhead, of course. He should get a free Scotch.
I vaguely recall an aircraft floor plan where the bulkhead seat actually had considerably more free space in front of it — it was my favorite. I’m not tall but it expanded your personal territory considerably. No doubt those are gone now. Remember sitting in one on the way to Puerto Vallarta, probably an Alaska Airlines MD-80/90.