That thing about knellers being removed troubled me bigtime. While for those who struggle with knee issues, such as I, does my best to knell, not having the knellers would get me upset as well.
The people are not obligated to kneel, but not having kneelers is contrary to liturgical law.
As a point of info, kneeling is a "western" form of worship. When the Gospel is read at mass, what action do you take? You stand! Why do you stand? Out of reverence. The Eastern Churches do not have kneelers. They stand, out of reverence and respect, during the Consecration. Kneeling is so ingrained in us westerners that "standing out of respect" poses a challenge.