I'm firmly in the "raise your rpm" camp. I stayed with my original early '80s gear ratio (too high) for far too long. Not everyone can continue to do the "big chainring" thing as their body ages.
You may end up feeling odd spinning at a rate you would think appropriate only for low gear climbing, but your knees will benefit - it's almost guaranteed. You'll develop smoothness with power in good time.
I also advocate regular hamstring and quad stretching as well as weighted leg raises for your core strength. Knees suffer more when your internal core weakens as so often happens.
Good luck!