I agree that it's less than ideal, especially with the wide assortment of expansion plugs out there. However, I believe the concerns to be overblown in most cases. OTOH expansion plugs aren't perfect either, and can also damage forks if poorly installed and over expanded.

If I should happen upon a fork with a star nut installed, I'd eyeball the the steerer for evidence of gouging as the plug was pressed, and absent of clear indications of an issue, would have no qualms about using that fork.