I think it's also that maybe we have a hard time figuring out what is essential and what is non-essential and therefore we are willing to dispense with what is extraneous... altar boys, kneeling for Communion, statues, votive candles, only priests distributing Communion, kneelers, incense, bells, a celibate priesthood, etc.
But the thing is, where does it end and just who determines what reflects the "early chuch" and what reflects the faith as passed down. It's just a constant chipping away until there is very little left because ideas and actions have consequences and ultimate conclusions.