Scott Lurndal wrote:

The panels are supposed to float because they expand and contract
with changes in humidity. If they were glued in place, they'd crack
or blow out the cope&stick mortices. Now generally, that only
applies to solid wood panels, but it doesn't hurt to leave plywood
panels floating.

I'm very glad you wrote, being otherwise tempted to glue them in!

With my thanks,

bob prohaska