Sure. Maybe I mis-typed. I'm not pointing to full-depth stiffeners. I'm pointing to full-depth welds. Welding is known to reduce the strain capacity of steel, which is why I think the code requires that welds be held back from the tension flange. I think this is specific to web stiffeners on...
Has anyone considered the ASIC provisions for transverse stiffeners? Specifically, I'm looking at AISC 360-05, section G2.2 which says, "The weld by which transverse stiffeners are attached to the web shall be terminated not less than 4 times nor more than 6 times the web thickness from the near...
Wind provisions are very subjective in MHO.
If you want to go conservative, choose C. If you want to give your client a more economical design, choose B.
What's the likelihood of failure if you are not conservative? Do you have redundancy? Are there other areas where additional safety can be...