All analogies limp, and some more badly than others.
People imprisoned, isolated, etc. took consolation in a spiritual communion that they found nourishing.  Who's to measure the difference?
How can it be quantified? John 4:24 speaks of worshipping in spirit & truth rather than a place (Jerusalem or Mt. Gerazim).  One of the most egregious and damnable acts of the RCC was to slap a mortal sin fine on missing mass! This is still on the books. And the numbers of supposed theologians who did not denounce this are are more than legion. The rationalization behind this is beyond comprehension!
Laying guilt on innocent people.  From my experience, after confessing supposed sexual sins, missing mass was  up there.  Even when people had a good reason they felt guilty, and better in confessing it, just in case ...  hellfire, etc!
(Not sure of your museum reference).