>>> Good genetics was the big hope, but it turns out that the mite
tolerant strains do not measure -- yet -- up for many jobs, since they
lack some of the qualities necessary for profitability in some important
commercial applications.

C'mon Allen, you're generalizing a bit here.  I've got mite-tolerant bees
that are the best bees I've ever seen.  Great in almonds, great for buildup
for nuc sales and splitting, the best honey producers.  Every colony gets
trucked at least 6 times a year, and are exposed to the same kinds of
problems that other commercial bees are (except largest holding yards are
maybe 150 colonies).  Plenty of exposure to every mite, disease, and pest.
We get subfreezing winters and over 100° summers.  What qualities do you
feel that they are lacking?  I'll admit, they don't cook me breakfast : )
But they sure pay the bills!
Randy Oliver

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