new beekeeper in need of advice to manage difficult beehive situation

[iddee]

""new boxes go under.  bees draw down.""

That is correct.....

But, bees will draw down fastest from the top of a hole in their nest.
IE. Center supering.
Second fastest from the top of a space down to the top of their nest.
IE. top supering
Third fastest down from the bottom of their nest.
IE. bottom supering
 The difference in the second and third is insignificant, so I just say it doesn't matter.

Bees do not like a separated nest and work quickly to make it one solid nest.

[Acebird]

So, what you all are recommending is still a stretch for me to comprehend.

Hey, you joined the club.  Hang in there Ron, it will probably get worse before it gets better.

It won't hurt the bees if you leave it as is forever. It's the beek you are fixing it for,

Yes, I agree, #5 the bees way.

[Kathyp]

iddee, i'd imagine you are correct that it doesn't matter much most of the time.  one of the reasons i started doing all under is that often the bees have already started storing over the brood before you add the second brood box.  when that has happened and you add on top, they don't always move up so well. 

as you say, most of the time the bees will work it out. 

[iddee]

As usual, we are correct. That is why I say either way will work. When building up, the bees normally use every inch they can find.

An older, established hive would make you even more correct.