Well Cindi, you will really get me to exercise my gray cells now, won't you?
It has been a long time ago, since I have watched my grand father do the drumming.
I do remember that the frame had open brood though. Of course, it is hard to get such a frame without the bees - they are part of it! They instinctively go on such a frame - to warm it - to take care of it.
I do not remember any fighting bees. I would say that such, marching bees, drummed bees, fill themselves with honey.
It is not like - as if one was to disturb the bees in winter time. Then bees come out of the hive unprepared and if they take flight - they are lost! Even if they wander about for too long their chances diminish with every step...
In other words: The bee with a job to do, takes in a certain amount of honey. (They know how much - by bee-dance) Which is fuel for a flight, for warmth, for energy...to get to the flower. That is why poking around hives is not a good idea in cold weather.
So, IMO such drummed bees have with them a supply of honey and are readily accepted in other hives. Such thing is a regular, daily occurrence in a bee yard...
Well, my two cents worth is just about dried up... :) ;)