From PLB:

"Over the years I have become convinced that simpler is better. Fact is, the standard ten frame hive is about as simple as it gets. Top bar hives, in my opinion, are more trouble than they are worth. It seems as if they wouldn't be, but I liken the difference between top bar hives and frame hives to the difference between a unicycle and a bicycle. The unicycle is a simpler design, but harder to use." 

Couldn't agree more and I would add one other item that makes life much simpler, use one size of boxes.  I started out doing the traditional deep for brood and medium for supers and have been gradually working to get everything into all mediums.  Makes inventory control easier, using drawn honey frames in brood nest for rotation, not to mention much easier on my back as I move into the senior citizen years.  So far I see no difference in the bees performance.

Glenn

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