Using 9 frames for me has zero downside.
I think, you would find a better brood pattern with tighter spacing. It
sure makes a difference here. The tighter spacing allows a bigger brood
patch with less bees.
Personaly I run 8 frames and a 2 frame wide division board feeder, and yup
frames can be snug. But when I leave them wider they just propolise them in
anyway.
Charlie
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