>   I wonder if the problem may be, in part, the small
> cells?

I don't think so, I see a variety of worker cell sizes
in feral colonies I have collected,  and some colonies
with a high majority of small cell worker cells,  and
they generally will appear to be in very good health.


The intent may
> be to restrict drone formation, but the  effect may
> be to the detriment of
> the e development of normal or healthy  workers??

Workers from my small cell colonies look very healthy
and normal looking to me.  I have done no drone
culling or restricting of drone cells other than
regular beekeeping practices of removing frames with
high number of drone cells.

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