I hold no degree whatsoever, and have come to the conclusion that while degrees are good to have, they are nothing more than an indication that you have learned someone else's opinion.
With that said, can we get back to the issue?
I like the bees and think they are fascinating creations of the Lord, equipped with far more intelligence and order than most people, including myself, realize. I am saddened whenever I have hurt one or when I have seen them hurt each other (sounds silly , but true). But I make no apologies for wanting "every kilo" I can get from my hives (leaving the bees enough for themselves, too). If there is a way to increase the yield in my hives, with firm integrity, I am all for it. If there is a way to save money and time in an honest and forthright way, then please share.
The point is, I will be needing to make decisions regarding foundation, frames, hives, etc., before next spring and will be adding at least ten more hives then, maybe up to twenty, that will be located about 60 miles from my home.
I need some education on these matters, and thus am asking people who have done this for years. As I look at my own foundations, I have decided by personal choice that I do not like the look, feel or smell of old black comb on rotting frames. The bees do not seem to like it either and I have seen only uncapped "last resort" honey or nectar in these frames. These frames are going into the burn pile.
Now, I have heard that duragilt and other plastic foundation, even wax coated, are not so great, but they are very easy and convenient. At the same time I hear that with wax founations I have to clean and boil and everything, then take them apart and clean further and then attach new foundation, with crosswiring, etc. I am not sure I have that kind of time or motivation. I teach school, farm 10 acres, raise kids and teach sabbath school on the weekends. However, if the plastic-coated is really that bad, and the bees will not use it, then I have to make a hard choice here and late nights might be view.