If the bottom seat pad would tilt fwd instead of ratcheting up and putting my head in the roof I think it would be ok.
Reading the 2015 (UK) manual, it says "Sit with buttocks as far back against the backrest as possible. Adjust the distance between the seat and the pedals so that legs are slightly angled when pressing the pedals." Seems to me if you do that, it should take the pressure off your legs.
As for a better seat, you might want to look for a Cruze manual seat from a 2011/2012 with optional manual tilt. Or, look for a power seat. It has an adjustment for the front separate from height. Looking at the schematic, it just needs power. It doesn't talk to the BCM or anything else. So, no programming.
It's likely been like this for awhile now, as I think they got rid of the 8 way power seats within the first few years of the Cruze's production, but don't quote me on that.
Looking at 2011 to 2015 owners manuals, the power seats all seem to be identical. The only thing not powered is the recline. Front/back is powered.