First off, I admit to knowing nothing about top bar or warre hives except for the bits and pieces on this website. So, please have patience...
I was at a queen rearing talk in Eastern WA in June and a woman asked how she would apply the methods she was being shown to a top bar hive. The instructor (and I thought this was very unfair of her) didn't answer the question but went on to say that she didn't think top bar hives worked well in the PNW.
So, I bring all this up because I have a mentoree (1st year beek) who has issues lifting weight. Turns out not only are the boxes a problem (langstroth) but she says she's even having issues with the weights of the frames when they are drawn and full.
I told her to research top bar hives thinking that she wouldn't have to lift boxes that way and to find out answers like weight comparisons between frames, etc.
I was wondering, though, if there was any merrit to what that instructor said about top bar hives in our area? The only thing I could come up with myself was the possibility of heat issues in a longer hive vs a taller one - but isn't that what the follower board is for?
Anyway, I know this was wordy, but any help would be appreciated!