Here's my response to challenged aesthetics and 'stand-alone' capability:



I can't see the strut replacement as an improvement.

As for those big braces ... initially had a fit realising the point load at mid-beam, where some mortise wood will also go missing. In fact, those 4x8 girts are amply dimensioned for the job, since they carry only a small floor load. Three of the four bents could take the braces (continuous wall) while for the fourth, only the LH one would need reducing to admit a doorway. Shall I go for it?!