I fly coach from USA to Asia al lthe time, company policy, and I have zero expectation that I need to request to lower my seat or that the person in front of me will ask the same.
I have had people complain to me when I have done so and I have told them to adress their complaints to the flight staff or the airline. If they dig their knees into my back, I get up and ask the flight staff to deal with it and then go back and sit down.
I paid for my seat and it has the option of reclining. Except during meals, if I wish to recline it, I will.
Michael