I usually systematically and discretely ask the pax with reclined seats during the service if they can put it upright the time of the meal. I try to do it before the pax behind complains , so that it doesn't become an argument between them. It is easy because you reach the reclined pax before the potential "complainant".
If it is outside meals, I try to explain that any pax is allowed to recline his/her seat; and if there are seats available I propose a change.
I think what is important to a pax is to see that there is an effort to find a solution to suit him/her, and try to avoid any issue between the pax.
[ 13 November 2001: Message edited by: flyblue ]