Yes, it is surprising how strong their beliefs can be.
I remember reading an article a few years ago where they said among a few tens of people (or was it more?) they looked at in a marathon, no one had a forefoot strike near the end. Maybe it's uncommon, but it still is possible.
I completed at least three marathons in zero drop shoes, including a 2:39 one in Wave Universe 5. And I did not heel strike at any point. And my calves did not explode. (My toenail on the other hand...)
And more importantly, some elite runners do it, and they go fast and they look fine after the race.
I wonder if there is real data backing the idea that for the marathon, heel striking is better than forefoot striking. One would think forefoot striking on the road would help going back to the track easily.