[island911]

Originally Posted by jyl

Seat pitch was typically 40 inches in the 1940s-1950s. In the mid 1970s, typical was 34-36 inches. In the late 1980s, typically 32-33 inches. Currently typical is 30-32 inches, this is in standard coach.

Flying Across America - Daniel L. Rust - Google Books

Again, this has nothing to do with deregulation. Seat design has moved away from the over-stuffed look of the 80's to that of Reccaro's with USB tech.

As such, Seat pitch =/= legroom. If all seats were the same construction, then pitch would = legroom. (seats used to use much of that pitch.)