If you already have trouble climbing the steeps, a little bit of extra height won't make it that much worse.

However, better overall traction might make things better. IMO, it's a technique thing more than anything else when climbing steep stuff.

Not all tires are created equal - just because it's wider doesn't always mean taller. I have actually grown to prefer a slightly wider rim in front, pared with the wider tire - spreads it out a bit more, but keeps it from being much taller. My current fav is a Stan's Arch or Mavic xm819 in back with a Flow up front. Works well.