Thanks Jim and Mark for your advice and points to consider.
Initially, I was also very skeptical and I remember having this specific conversation with my structural engineer (about the 1" pocket) so I know the load calculations have been done.
This was especially what I was looking for:
...If it was me, I'd cut the joist as shown in the drawing on side B for the free of heart center beams.
But when inspecting girts for use you should look at the crown and make sure that it is up and then you can look at grain patterns for which face.
Thanks again for the help.
-Steve
