Thank you to all the former reviewers for your honest feedback -  you helped my decision immensely.  I agree the chair is stiff to sit in and as a small person, I can't open it as 'regular' people to, but if I flip up the footrest a little, I have no trouble reclining it once sat.  I think the stiffness will ease up in time (better than sitting in a soggy chair!) and since I sleep in a recliner for medical reasons, that was my largest concern and it works beautifully for that.  And it is absolutely gorgeous in the room!