> Laying workers will readily fly back to the original location.

In answer to this question, nobody ever proved that they couldn't and there is no real reason why they wouldn't, unless those particular bees had never flown before. They certainly aren't too heavy or some such thing. 

Fact is, the methods of "saving" laying worker colonies all involve taking bees from elsewhere, essentially starting a new colony amid the worn out old bees. It's doable, though probably not the smartest use of resources. 

But if you like challenges, have at it.

PLB

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