I bought 4 Nucs in the spring, they were very healthy but did not make enough honey to survive the winter.  In the fall I had a complete loss of all 4, with aggressive yellowjacket activity.  

Will Nucs be available in the spring & any thoughts/advise on the lack of honey production? 

Ken, on the drone frame, you will need to be super diligent on your timing for frame removal/replacement. I like IPM and bought drone frames, but realized that I didn't trust myself not to get distracted and allow that massive mite bomb frame to hatch.  That would be my only consideration, don't let those drones hatch and nasty mites get ahead of you!  :)