Also, a rocket that hangs doesn’t need near the structural beef as one that is designed to withstand landing on its feet.
The force doesn't push against the nozzle of the engine.
I wouldn't want to try to intuit what the force distribution would be and how much is carried through each component of the structure, though — that's what simulations are for.
I’m not sure what you are saying here. The force pushes against the nozzle, (and of course the walls of the combustion chamber.) That is the purpose of the rocket engine, to push the rocket forward. They are not just there to provide mood-lights.
The force doesn't transfer via those walls, rather it goes through the full tank of the rocket and pushes against the top.
Ok? I seem to have said the same.
> The force doesn't transfer via those walls
Where do you think the force starts on a rocket? What pushes the rocket forward?