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Isn't that what heel caps are for?
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A heel cap is not on the end grain. IMHO, the main function of a heel cap is the same as body binding....protection against dents and dings.
I have only witnessed an issue when steaming out a neck for a reset. If the steaming goes on for an extended period (i. e. when the dovetail is stubborn to separate), the heel can swell, causing it to curve backwards. The result is a neck that no longer fits flush to the body. Trimming the heel to fit flush (without allowing the wood dry out and return to the former shape) can cause the neck to be pitched back. Note that this is a level of moisture in the neck that would never occur in normal use.
I think this is only a problem in extreme conditions, like when the guitar has been submerged. In that case, there undoubtedly will be more serious problems than a swelled heel.