Did the airlines help create the unruly passenger problem by treating customers badly?

Not to excuse bad behavior, but why won't the aviation industry accept their contribution to unruly passenger behavior? Between condescending employees, ever-shrinking personal space (due to overbooking and smaller seats) and being unceremoniously kicked off flights the customers paid for, it seems like they are courting that behavior.

– AJHitchens

There are several different issues in your question that need to be unpacked here.

First, unruly passengers are a growing problem. I fully support the zero-tolerance approach that the FAA and FBI are taking. Unruly passengers put all occupants on the airplane at risk. The rules for carriage are clearly stated during the ticket purchase process and then repeated by the flight attendants. It's clear what level of behavior is expected of passengers. 

► Looking for solutions:  Why doesn't the government put air marshals back on planes to control unruly passengers?

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Airline employees are still people. As such, there are wide variances in how stressful situations are resolved. My experience is that there are many, many more helpful professional agents than condescending ones. 

The amount of space on the airplane depends on the type of ticket purchased and the airline. Ultra-low cost airlines tend to have less seat space. If the fare price is the prime consideration, then it is likely that the seat space will be smaller.

If you have been removed from a flight there, there had to be a reason and a process that the airline employees follow. Just paying for a ticket does not entitle you a seat if you do not conform to the rules.

Most of the rules governing passenger behavior are FAA regulations that the airlines have to enforce. If you believe they should be changed, please reach out to the FAA. 

Here's the bottom line: airlines do not court unruly passenger behavior. It is one of the most stressful situations they face. However, the FAA rules are mandatory and must be carried out. 

► How bad has it gotten?  FAA levied more than $1M in fines against 'unruly passengers' this year amid mask mandate

► 'Anxious, fearful': Flight attendants plead for Congress' help to deal with air rag

Why does it seem like the descent toward the destination airport is faster than the climb after takeoff? I always have a harder time dealing with pressure in my ears when descending than I do during climbing despite wearing special ear plugs for flying.

– S.A.M., Seattle

The descent portion of the flight is actually often slower than the climb. The cabin descends at 300-500 feet per minute.

Your difficulty in clearing your ears is due to the direction of the airflow in your eustachian tube.  When descending, it puts pressure on your eardrum, which can be painful. Clearing your ears reduces the differential pressure.

Getting your Eustachian tube open to allow air to match the surrounding air pressure can be helped by yawning, chewing gum or holding your nose and blowing against it. Ask your physician for advice.