I think we are waltzing in circles.

> Why did they bring the Russian bees in, solely for their resistance?

Pretty much, it seems.

> Why did they not breed the bee in the USA that has proven itself 
> commercially viable for over a hundred years?

I think there are many that were just fine until new threats showed up.

> By the success of Russian bees, it highly suggests that consumers are 
> demanding traits of survival over traits of economic value.

Yes, but the commercials are slower to do so.  Charley and Bob have both 
commented and I am waiting to see what the upshot was.

A commercial has to make money, and every year, if possible.

I am starting to realise, too, that a commercial's (or former commercial's) 
idea of who is commercial is a lot different than an amateur's opinion on 
the matter.

Most people have no clue what a true commercial beekeeper is or does. 

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