Hi Baker,
1. Many of us have lost a good amount of hives due to Calif trouble. But this guy was a newbee and I'm not sure why. Maybe he didn't feed, maybe he didn't treat. But I will surely be asking these questions.
2. Drawn comb is prob one year old.
3. Yes, need frames for splits to sell and to keep on hand. Regretfully, Also I am trading out my wired wax for plastic foundation, might as well get some frames that are already drawn. Holds up better, comb stays uniform, and doesn't blow out in the extractor.
4. Hadn't thought of that, but good idea to inform where some of the frames have come from.