Hi Gary,
No one I know of uses them in this part of the state. If they do, they don't advertise it. Everyone tends to be pretty traditional. On a whim, last spring, I purchased one of those telescoping covers that are made from one piece of hard white plastic. I believe it's hollow and it has slots in the bottom so that you don't have to worry about condensation. So far, so good. I will say you can really see the ticks trying to hide under the lid.
I wonder about those insulation panels that snap on the hive body. Could that be a place for small hive beetle to hide?
They certainly are affordable and easy to put together. Looks like they would be a little easier on the back. Shipping costs would have to be cheaper.