For what it’s worth… this can be a local thing. I’ve seen areas where carriage bolts are OK for 2-2X’s on either side of post is OK, situation/design depending. Maybe a quick call to local building and safety in your area?
If we were talking about a deck or balcony bearing on the first design, with live and snow loads… I’d say it is a defect, or at least recommending the client verify the improvement was permitted, nearly every time. I’m fortunate that the typical approved designs in my area are available at the counters or online.
