I once asked a meeting of conservative Catholics in Arlington, VA. "Why did they remove the altar rails?" No one had an answer. It was certainly quicker.
"Why did they remove the altar rails?"
I find that sort of funny, considering most Lutheran Churches I have attended still have altar rails. The same is true of many Anglican parishes.
"Why did they remove the altar rails?"Let's see.........
To make it easier for all the EMHC's to get on the altar?
To make it easier for the life teeners to gather round' the altar?
To make it easier for the priest to leave the altar and wander all over the church during the sign of peace?
Because while they were ripping out the confessionals, they thought they might as well rip out the altar rails too since no one had to kneel to receive communion?
All of the above.