Some other pics of the worst of it.

[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/anamoo1/media/column4_zpscaf74ce8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac14/anamoo1/column4_zpscaf74ce8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/anamoo1/media/column3_zpse443a2bf.jpg.html][IMG]http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac14/anamoo1/column3_zpse443a2bf.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/anamoo1/media/Column1_zps9affd5ae.jpg.html][IMG]http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac14/anamoo1/Column1_zps9affd5ae.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Is the column structural or decorative?

The roof line comes out approx. 6 feet to cover the porch and these 4 columns are at the end, so I assume they are structural. A carpenter told me it was just cosmetic- water damage from the paint being allowed to fail. He suggeted plastic wood to fill and sand... I think he's probably right but really wanted a second opinion. I don't mind doing either, but would rather keep the columns if they are repairable... but if it's just a stop-gap and I'll have to replace anyway then I'd rather do it now. You know?

Nevermind. I pried open one of the cracks and can see a metal post bolted to the concrete slab- inside. It seems these are just decorative wraps for the original structural element. I think I am good to spackle and sand away. :)