[HRBS]

Like I said... I do this all day.
Ridge beams are NOT structural in ANY way. All they do is provide a mounting point for the top of the rafters to meet. The post down to the beam is ONLY there for temporary support (to hold the ridge in place) while being constructed. You as a home builder should know this. You may build homes but you build them to the way people like me design them. Not putting you down in anyway so dont take it that way..... its just that I've seen too many people make mistakes from listening to a builder rather than an architect or engineer. You have an engineer "a phone call away". I dont because I am my own engineer. Thats a BIG difference. But what do I know..... I've only been an Architectural Project Manager for 15 years....