> How can I determine if I have a bad queen? I understand that you can evaluate her during the season and then determine if she meets the criteria one sets for their queens, but what if she was doing well until November? 

Right. But the assumption here is that if the colony is down to two frames, there is something the matter and it could be the queen. If not, then maybe they are sick and should be allowed to expire. 

Some beekeepers regard the apiary or the operation as the thing and allow the colony count to fluctuate. Others are very keen on keeping individual colonies going, even giving them names, like pets.

It is not my place to judge, but sometimes you have to let go.

PLB

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