Sorry, I'm a little late seeing this thread, but something about the altars bothered me, and I couldn't figure it out. Then I realized how PLAIN they are, compared to the ornate altars of old churches.
The plainness does something: it takes your mind off God and forces you to focus on the priest. Man-centered, again! Because what else is there to direct your thoughts to God? Nothing. There is only the priest to watch and follow, even if his back is to you.
And also, the plainness is so...plain. Not ugly, really, but not breathtakingly beautiful. My husband is fond of saying that when God is angry with His people He takes away things of beauty. Food for thought....