Mike,
    I am not expert, but only a hobbist with 7 colonies and 5 years
experience. I've been told that there are typically numerous queen cells
present which are partly complete. The only time you have to be concerned is
when they contain royal jelly or are sealed over.
    Regarding communication holes, whenever I used solid foundation the bees
always create their own by chewing holes in the bottom corners or all along
the bottom of the frame.
 
DaleG