Architect i am working with has to have a continuous rated partition and I have wood trusses that need to bear partway up the wall. He is suggesting using 2x6 studs then switching to 2x4 studs creating a shelf for the trusses. But, he wants to wrap the gyp board over the plate so my trusses...
I have done this splice detail often. You don't need the kickers. The splice is near the end of the member so moment is low. You DO NEED a slip track at the top of the wall so you don't get axial load on the interior wall studs. For 18ga studs a #10-16 screw has an allowable shear of 265lbs...
Check out the MBMA (Metal Building Manufacturers Association) They print a list of section properties for Zees and Cees. Also, my copy of the RSG demo software will print but you cant save. This is a very good tool for light gage.