"NEEDING"? Yes a lot of people need more leg room. Should it come at the expense of everyone else? I was recently on a flight from DC to LAX and stuck in the back. I am 5'4" and I had to literally wiggle up onto my seat and walk across the seat next to me to get into the isle while the seats in front of me were reclined. Not everyone can afford upgrades and are lucky enough to be flying, period. I have been flying since I was in 3rd grade and flown all around the country and halfway around the world a few times. Being stuck in one of the rows that had been squished together, even at 5'4", was the most miserable flights I had ever been on. Yes, I know some people really do NEED leg room and for others it is a luxury, but it should not come at the expense of everyone elses leg room.

It's size discrimination! I, too, have a tall family, and resent that they charge more for leg room.
Unlike overweight people, who may be able to control their width, we cannot control how tall we are...but now must pay an upcharge to be physically comfortable in travel.

Like I said, if they were charging high fees for this extra leg room you would have a major complaint, but why shouldn't airlines reward those who fly with them frequently, give those customers a small perk? If you fly on this airline often, you will be given the upgrade for free...and if it is your first flight at most it will cost you $25 to upgrade should you chose to. It would be nice if airlines could give us all lots of leg room, I'd like to fly first class every time personally! But I realize that, like most of life, things aren't always as I would like. I am willing to pay to get what I want/need when I can, so I make sacrifices somewhere else in order to afford THOSE things! BTW, would you rather have my sons long legs crowding you or would you rather he pay a little extra and have someone with shorter legs beside you?