BB1.... wood expansion and contraction happens across the grain with the width. Running with the grain sees very little to none. With small pieces, especially with each glued to the other the change is fairly negligible. With the frame there's nothing to worry about. There's simply not enough width and cross section to pose an issue
Thank you for the added info.  I'm still trying to wrap my thoughts around this.  I'm trying to be "smarter" on how to design.  I've made some items that should have had issues based on my construction but (thankfull) so far are fine.  Guessing the climate controlled environment of our house plays a role.