>> Pollen that has not properly fermented into beebread is not digestible by
>> honeybees. 

If this is the case, I find it difficult to explain the quick response
(increased brood rearing) when natural pollen collection starts in the
spring.  It is my understanding that fermenting pollen into bee bread takes
multiple days.

It is certainly possible that yeast action permits or improves pollen
digestion.  It is also possible that some such yeasts operate in the bee gut
and can do their work in a few hours.

>> This year, we have more over-wintered hives than any other year, and the 
>> only significant difference in our management practice is that this year 
>> our bees are on small cell comb.  We have not to date (mid-May), seen any 
>> chalkbrood or sacbrood in any of these hives, which we find interesting. 

Nothing quite like fresh comb to improve brood health.

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