You obviously have never looked at the regulations have you. Every a/c has a max number of pax they can carry, so you can not reduce the seat pitch and get as many seats as you wish. In the UK, regulations are in place to insure a minimum seat pitch and where the measurements are taken. Where this measurement is taken is why some seats now have the seat pocket above the seat table.
Well I think you'll find that the maximum number of seats that can fitted to any aircraft is way above the number that can be reasonably accommodated. For example I believe the Boeing 737-800 can have a 'standard' maximum of 189 seats (a manufacturer limit - the aircraft was EASA certified with zero passenger seats). Apart from the greediest of operators, how many others operate at this capacity? This is what the UK CAA (or Europe of you like) says on the subject:
The minimum distance between the back support cushion of a seat and the back of the seat or other fixed structure in front is approximately 66 cms (measured at 75mm above the seat cushion) in the take-off and landing configuration, that is with seats in the upright (unreclined) position only.
Which is basically 26", plus the thickness of the cushion, say 2" which means that the pitch effectively becomes an oppressive 28". But by using thin seats and no pockets, say 1", you could end up with a 27" pitch. Also, by 'clever' engineering, some seat manufacturers have moved seat pockets to avoid them being measured and some operators specify seats with no pockets at all. And you want to jam more seats in? No problem, just so long as the operator pays Boeing for more seats to be included in its paperwork.
I think Bsmasher has a reasonable gripe, why are his favourite seats no longer fitted? It's a reasonable question, especially as he's paying for the privilege of sitting there.
PM