Hello Jerod:
Here is my opinion on the cutting of braces and shouldering. These views are from what I have observed in many old structures.
Braces are usually set in line with the tenon of the girt\beam or post, to be able to withstand heavy side thrusts without twisting the post or girt.
(90% of the time the tenon is offset to one side of the girt or post no matter where it is placed in the framework, so the tenon on the brace is also ofset to one side, and placed in line.
I really only seen braces placed centrally in Dutch barns with the large anchor beams. In these case the braces were placed in boxed seatings in the centre of the anchor beams, and where it met the post. I suspect the tenon had a shoulder on both sides of the tenon, but can't verify this.