Yes, yes, yes and no.
I do slide the pot forward on the burner to prevent the plastic-rubber guards on the valve handles from melting. This directs a lot of the heat towards the back of the pot. Also, the valve serves somewhat as a heat deflector as it is directly between the thermometer and heat source. If I were getting too much heat going up the front of the pot, then I should melt the cheap guards before bursting 1/8" glass, but they are fine. Still, shouldn't there be some means of allowing gas expansion within the thermometer to prevent pressure buildup?