Take the strut and the saddle out of the equation [not hard to do] and the problem, [if there is one] is solved. As I've already said, I don't see the need to have a strut at the bridal. It's just unnecessary baggage IMHO and detracts from the proficiency of the pole.

Another idea I had was to put a 'bottle screw' adjuster in the end of the pole at the beam. This would help to pre-load the pole by adding tension the bow lines to improve the fixedness of the truss, sorry pole.

No strut, no rivets.