[askvictor]

> 2) empty rockets are stronger in tension than compression

True, but wouldn't the deceleration burn be putting much more compression onto the near-empty rocket than the landing?

[asdfadsfgfdda]

The engine load is probably a steady, consistent magnitude. While a landing load is rapid and variable. Also, you need to design legs for wind loading after landing, which can be high if you want to launch often.