Hey ... sounds like you've been spending to much time at your local "Outback Steak House". The kneeling at the table routine irks me as well ...
The waiters who kneel down are usually just trying to hear what you're saying. Restaurants can be very loud places. Didn't you ever notice that the taller the waiter, the more likely he is to kneel down to take your order? He can't hear you because you're too far away and there's a ton of background noise, so he often has to get closer. Speak up, and look at him when you're talking. That should help.