Well I don't know about abyone else but non-reclining seats get my vote on any short-haul flight. Nothing worse than having some passenger in front laying in your lap. In fact I would go so far as to say that long haul airlines should fit devices to their reclining seats that prevent them being reclined for all the flight bar the few hours when people are legitimately trying to get some rest.
As for seat pockets, they are grubby items anyway, full of sweetie wrappers from several days ago so get rid of them as well. I believe they can stick the emergency card on the back of the seat in front.
Ryanair will always get slagged off. Yes, they are a bit crap but they are a lot cheap. Other airlines maybe a bit less crap but they are a lot more expensive. You pays your money and you takes your choice...