This is very true. My sister, who is a church organist and choir director, made a very interesting observation based on comments she has heard in recent years. Many people, she said, seem to think that the most important part of the Mass is saying the Our Father. She has actually heard them say things to this effect, and they all seem to think that the most central thing is some kind of warm, fuzzy glow they seem to get from this. That's why there's all that handholding and the wave at the end when the Protestant tag is said.
I think the effect of the NO is that many people have absolutely no idea of what is going on at Mass. They think it's a prayer service and they think it's neat that they're all "together" there saying the Our Father, because "togetherness" is what they come for.
I've learned how to deal with the handholding. I bow my head, close my eyes, and fold my hands in prayer, often wrapping my rosary around my hands. Works every time.