>By not culling in fall, winter losses increase -- as a percentage of the fall number. Suppose you take the high summer number and the low spring number, which is better -- the old way or the new way? For example, suppose you cull 30% in the fall and get a 10% loss, versus cull 10% and then lose 30%. Which gives the most colonies in spring?

The numbers will be equal - but the argument is flawed.  It builds on two assumptions: that by culling 30% your losses will be 10%, and that by culling 10% your losses will be reduced to 10%; that is a non sequitur.

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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