[Brad Ward]

Zandit75,

My best guess is that Martin must have made the design choice a long time ago for servicing the guitar in the future. I notice that the heel stops where the sides do, above the bottom trim. In the event of a neck set down the road, maybe it is that way because the bottom trim is spared any damage, or if you have to take the back off for some reason.

My Gibson heel however is almost flush to the bottom.

Thanks Matthew!