Placement of pollen patties from my experience depends on:

The state of colony.
Period in colony season.
Strength of colony.
% of pollen content.
Quantity of honey present in box when in double configuration.

If the colony is Queenless: position changes little regarding the rate 
at which the material is consumed - relatively slow/ total disregard.

Before a natural spring shedding of pollen, a one pound patty will be 
munched away over several days. Onset of supply of natural material may 
seriously slow down or effectively halt consumption. As ever, there are 
colony examples where this is not the case - they continue as if no 
natural supply is available!

Where queens are laying in expansion stage and in a period of inclement 
weather (Climate) - the bees will make quick service of a one pound affair.

Weak colonies in too roomy containers usually tackle the patty as if it 
is a real chore - a bit, maybe, just to show willing or ignore totally.

The higher the pollen content - the more vigour shown in consumption.

Full boxes of honey reserves extend period of time over which the patty 
disappears - unless it is placed in between the boxes (i.e. between the 
top bars of the lower box and below the bottoms of the upper box.).

Perforated paper covering enables the bees to start on the patty from 
all quarters - an advantage when rapid consumption is required.

Global have given good advice regarding storage, content of patty and 
delivered when required.

Dry powder delivery in open barrels appears to be very attractive on 
good flying days during early spring - until natural pollen appears on 
the scene. After which there is a definite reduction in forager numbers.

Actual proof that patties deliver what increase in bee longitivity - can 
only say that colonies during spring build up with a healthy vigour.

This fall, some splits were done a little too late. Combined with a poor 
nectar /pollen flow they did not get to a stage where they are expected 
to survive. Lack of winter bees. They were supplied with ample sucrose 
feed and patty material but did not develop.

The above was my experience formally in Manitoba, now on PEI, Canada.

Peter

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