I believe people who really don't like having a person recline in front of them have to be proactive. For example
1. Arriving early to request exit row seats
2. If two or more people then being prepared for one of the party to sit in front of the other. i.e. they don't sit together
3. Taking note of empty seats and swapping seats
4. Carefully selecting seats in the first place... If you know the plane is not full and where the seats are in blocks of three, then if on a row, the window and aisle seats are taken, then it is likely that the middle seat between these two people won't be taken. So you then request the middle seat behind this seat.
5. Flying airlines that have slightly more room than others when the seats are reclined.
Developing strategies to lessen the chance of having a reclining passenger in front of you (even when they involve some disadvantage to you) is a much better way than arguing with a passenger over this controversial issue. Especially when it seems there is no right answer.