ridge board smaller than rafters

Pitch has EVERYTHING to do with it, as low sloping roofs require the ridge beam to help carry the load of the timber. Fasteners have little to do with it.

I once thought as you did, and when I called the exact things out on an inspection, I received a call from a structural engineer who, rather abruptly, explained in no uncertain terms 1) that I was incorrect, 2) WHY I was incorrect, and 3) that I had neither the education or design-load experience to quantify my statements. He warned that, under NY State law, I was entering the arena of the unlicensed practice of professional engineering. He went on to say that my comments were the reason many engineers have a real problem with home inspectors.

You really need to speak to an architect or engineer about this. Like me at one time early in my career, your comments are unfounded and inaccurate.

Here’s an example: Please explain one of your earlier comments regarding a ridge beam playing a part in uplift.