Yes
What is more important, that you squat to make your whole body stronger or make your knees stronger? You are looking to throw the baby out with the bath water. I've squatted with sleeves, without sleeves, and with a knee brace. Yes I'm interested in building up my knees, but I'm more interested in building my legs, butt, back, etc. And the only way I can build all of those is with more weight. If it takes sleeves, I wear sleeves, if it doesn't then I don't, but the weight must go upl.