e57...as you said to note the size of the holes allowed toward the ends...I'd ask that you look at the size of the holes allowed as you get closer to the middle. They increase usually by 1" diameter for every foot you go away from the ends. And as you correctly state: the top is in compression and the bottom is in tension...this means that somewhere between the compression and the tension there is zero stress. That is why you can drill larger holes toward the center. Having worked with engineered lumber for about 20 years, I'd say to check the manufacturers specs for where holes can be drilled and more importantly ask the GC if the design for your particular building has any specific engineering preventing you from following those manufacturers specs.
