I never said it was good but just because something isn't good does not it make it "ridiculous, unsafe and unhealthy" Hotel Tango.
Airlines have the right to configure aircraft however suits them so long as it meets regulatory requirements and is approved by the OEM.
A lack of of an inch or two of legroom is the least of your worries. Morons gathering their personal items will kill you long before a couple of inches less of legroom will.