I have frequently had recording engineers come out and put cushions under my feet.
    This heel versus toe question is very interesting, particularly McGrath's theory of the overdrive effect of the heel. I definitely this myself. The toe is grand for vaguely joining in with the beat, but if I need to communicate the beat to a group that is falling apart rhythmically, I definitely stomp with the heel. Itis not just a volume thing, it uses more body muscles, and makes your knee, (and whole body,to some extent) move up and down, which communicates the beat much more effectively.
    I am acutely aware of this at the moment, as I am putting together(rehearsing would be too sophisticated a word) thhe multi-cultural drum band for the Newcastle-under-Lyme carnival (Bank Holiday Monday). And getting assorted asylum-seekers from Sudan Somalia, Liberia, Congo,Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, England and Pakistan (to mention but a few) is quite a task. Everybody has subtle differences in rhythm(even a basic bum-tiity bum-titty), and I find myself stamping with my heels and drumming exaggeratedly with my arms. It all helps.
   For those who like racial stereotypes, I would say Iraqis are not natural stick drummers, but stronger with the hands: compared to Afghans or Linerians, say. (McGrath from Harlow is very adept at drawing Iraq into all discussions, so I thought I would emulate him).