Because honey bees were not being utilized primarily for pollination prior to 1940-something, very little written prior to that date is relevant to today's modern operation, which eschews honey production for increased pollination efficiency, and attempts to remedy the inevitable decline of queens and hives over time, rather than the explosive growth of "pre-invasive-exotic pests and pathogens" beekeeping.  (I'll not go as far as George Imire intoned, stating that "Pre-Varroa beekeeping books are USELESS!", his advice was cogent for the novice.)

Following those obsolete practices from the days of old may "work" for a stationary hobbyist, but ending up with a "crop" of honey far from home base is nothing but overweight truck fines, or the need to engage an extra truck or two to haul the same number of hives.  Can these costs exceed the price of honey?  Perhaps, but that's not as important as the distraction and time/effort required to deal with the burden of something as bulky and heavy as honey, when the "world price" is so low.  

For the same reason, we use trucks rather than horse and wagon these days, and the difference creates entirely different logistical issues and concerns.

 While "those who cannot remember the past are [claimed to be] condemned to repeat it", one cannot repeat the same methods over and over while expecting any different outcome.

So, "remember", sure.  But view as useful authoritative wisdom and practical practices? Not necessarily.  More often not.

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