Thanks All-
Your comments are well taken.
Yes, basically we're trying to reduce the clear span of the timber beam as to not exceed the allowable moment.
SacreBlue- Thanks for the link on the frame analysis. Yes, you're right on the concern for the connections as well( I didn't want to complicate things initially). In old timber frame structures, braces were primarily used for lateral stability, and mortice/tenon joints were used with wooden pegs. The joints were just as important as the frame. But, the contractor/timber framer now (and on pevios jobs) uses lag screws on the braces. This simlifies the mortice/tenon joint. I've seen this used on the ridge beam on a previous timber frame house he's built. The exterior skin of the house are the 6 inch foam insulated srtuctural panels, which provides lateral stability.
Stiffness of the brace isn't a major concern since they are 6x6 inch southern yellow pine (which is a stonger wood).
Posts are 6x6, and the beam is 6x12 inch deep (15' span).
Cracking at the connectors is a good point to consider. Luckily, the wood is already kiln dried, and the species is stronger than eastern white pine, which was commonly used in the past. Now, I still need to consider the lag bolt connection. 2 are used at each end of the brace.
This seems to get more complicated than just using a deeper beam( I figured we needed a 6x16 to do the job, but it's not available). thanks again