For an understanding of the Gothic style, one must return to its origin, which was the abbey at Citeaux, home of the Cistercian movement. This movement, in response to the Cluniac school, emphasized clean, simple lines in structure which would emphasize the liturgy. Granted, the Victorian neo-Gothic thrust could be very ornate, but we are not talking about Victorian design in this case. Unlike St. Martin's, these examples feature collegiate seating -- the Choir may be in front of the congregation, but they do not face the congregation. Additionally, the historic example of a "quire" in gothic design places the choir stalls in between the nave and the sanctuary, where the high altar is (focal point). This tradition of design is not evident at St. Martin's, as it is in the architectural design of the National Cathedral (early Edwardian).The screen at St. Martin's is neither a rood screen (as it does not have a rood), nor is it a quire screen (as it does not separate the nave from the chancel. And by the way, I have a degree in theology from Oxford University.