Ken,

the frame Michael was referring to does not have a continues top plate. Instead the plate is mortised into each post of each bend. Sort of like purlins get installed on principal rafters. I believe they are even referred to as intermediate plates in the book.
I guess this eliminates the use of long timbers. But at the same time creates a hole pile of other problems. More joinery thus weakness per post intersection. Less strong. More strain on each joint when lateral loads are applied.
So thinking about it probably not such a great approach unless of course you will apply sheathing that can resist lateral loads and will hold the frame together. Kind os defeats the purpose of bulding a TF.