the occasional colony that completely manages mites, despite being in
the same environment, and surrounded by mite-infested colonies, suggests
that there is a genetic component.

I am sorry, but this is a non-sequitir. This doesn't necessarily imply a genetic component at all. There may be, but it is just as likely to be a serendipitous combination of traits, timing, or other factors. 

Further, even if this colony has "the right stuff" can they pass it to another colony? If it was genetically linked to a particular drone lineage, and you raised queens from a different lineage from that hive, you might get none of genetic component (if there is one). 

The Russians would be the exception, with a percentage of them handling
mites and viruses pretty well, although I applied minimal treatments in
fall to help them.

Which prompts the question: why isn't everyone using them?

A) mite resistance is a load of hooey
B) resistance is environmental and can't be passed on
C) resistant queens too expensive, and get superseded anyway
D) folks prefer to use chemicals to treat for mites, cheaper and more reliable
E) people are brand loyal and don't want to switch
F) people are stupid and wouldn't recognize a good thing if it sat in their laps
G) all of the above
H) none of the above


PLB

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