>Hi! I am curious if the bees draw out the comb more quickly with the foundationless frames versus the plastic foundation frames?
Yes. In fact they draw it faster than wax foundation.
>(My bees do not seem to like the plastic frames and imo they almost appear to avoid drawing comb.)
That's normal. But once they do they will use it fine.
>Also, do you need to put in a starter strip if you are using a grooved top bar frame?
Some kind of guide is necessary unless it's between two drawn brood combs. This can be a wooden strip, a wax strip (usually foundation) a beveled piece, a broken out wedge turned sideways or one row of cells from the last time the frames had a comb in it.
>Would they see the groove as a starting point/line?
No. They will not. Not unless you put something in the groove.