Finsky,
I don't think everyone from Brazil to Alaska is doing the same. Even though the latitudes of Alaska are fairly north,because of ocean currents I believe conditions from Anchorage to Juneau is quite different.
http://www.rssweather.com/climate/Alaska/Juneau/http://www.rssweather.com/climate/Alaska/Anchorage/I understand what you are saying about feeding early.If someone has a system of feeding that works that does not make it wrong.You live in an extreme climate and have adapted to get your bees to survive there. There is a lot of geographical and climate differences within the contiguous 48 states that allow for different styles of feeding.The southwest is near desert conditions,while upper west coast is very wet and humid.The intereior sections enjoy vast temperature swings from summer to winter,while the East coast and the south can go from drought to flooding conditions withthe passing of a tropical storm
Bjorn has been very succesful with feeding fondant. The moisture content is not very high.And yes humidity is relative. 1 litre of water evaporated in a specified area at 0C yields a higher relative humidity than the same quantity of water in the same space at 25C.So if moisture is not eliminated as the temperatures drop,the humidity rises and you will have condensation.
I appreciate your stands on why you feed the way you do. And I agree that many new beekeepers may choose the wrong method for their locale. But if it gets too late for syrup to be dried sufficiently,fondant and dry sugar are better options thhan letting the bees die as long as feeding doesmn't end up costing more than replacing the bees.
I have local keepers who have used most of the methods mentioned in one form or another without any problems. But the biggest problem with syrup here is as you said,if it is fed too late.So if time has not allowed or autumn moves in early(early killing frost) they have to resort to other methods.
And to other forum members,give Finsky his due,he has kept bees for many years in what is probably the harshest of climates,I think he has had bees north of the arctic circle.His advice on insulating,ventilation and rapid feeding should be given merit because he can duplicate positive results consistently.Finskys results with oxalic acid are probably on the money too.I think he treats with oxalic in December when there is little brood in the hives.
Correct me Finsky if I am wromg on when you do your treatments for mites.