I don’t know what airlines you fly, but I have never been asked to make my seat upright before cabin service. Nor, in my experience, does a reclined seat prevent the person behind from using his tray table.
Lets see what airlines have i flown, United ,American, Delta Jetblue, Qantas, Singapore Air, Eva Air, China South, Air Tahiti ect...
I flew to 13 locals around the world on business in the PAC rim, China, Australia Tokyo Tahiti,Singapore, Indonesia.. also flew to So America and the Caribbean , along multiple cities in the United States....
that’s all just in the last year ..
And im flying again Tuesday from LA to DC...and yes the stewardess ask you to please put your seat up during cabin services so the person behind you can use thier tray table
I fly very, very often and also have never heard this request.