I find it hard to believe that you had TWO flight companions who were so heavy as to prevent their dinner trays from clicking into place. I am not a small guy NOW - after having lost 10 inches from my waist - and at my HEAVIEST could still seat the meal tray properly.

The thigh business though? Not totally due to weight - I know people who are UNDERWEIGHT who find airplane seats too narrow. I know I haven't been in an auditorium, a plane, or a movie thieatre in ages where my shoulders (and there isn't THAT much fat on my shoulders) do not overlap the seats on eaither side of me.