[Harp-L] Protrude through?

[John Thaden]

I came across a nice website and on it a blog page on how harmonicas work. https://www.themusicstand.ca/blogs/htp-harmonica/work
Refreshing to see so much right information.
But must a reed, played in usual manner as a closing reed, actually protrude through the other side of the reed plate in order to sound? Pretty sure not, though I've actually not done the experiment (really thick plate). I do know of custom and high end harps with thicker plates.
Thanks,-John