This is not a matter of opinion. It is a fact that at many of the finest Japanese restaurants kaiseki is eaten at counter seats or in private rooms with either chairs or a recessed "foot well" type of seating. I have only had to kneel down for meals at Ryokan, and this is one of the reasons I prefer western style hotels. I am looking forward to the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons properties planned for Kyoto.

Re hotels, I also disagree with your above statement, as some hotels have exceptional restaurants. I recommended the Palace in my above post because the food is very good, and because such restaurants are very approachable for people new to Japanese cuisine and who may not speak Japanese.

I don't understand where your comment about quadruped came from, but I would generally agree. Some chefs who take a more contemporary approach to Japanse cuisine do however serve charcoal grilled wagyu as part of kaiseki meals, and it can be delicious.