Sugarwater does not stimulate laying.
It only stuck the small laying area and hives swarm. I have read that hundreds of time in forum when beginner gets a small colony to swarm, which should not swarm in that size.
Well, sugarwater does not stimulate itself, but create the sensation to the bees, they have harvest.
No need to think August. Pollen patty or added proteins are not good for wintering bees.
It is better to rear 5 colony big during summer and not to think tricks after active summer.
5 frame colony is good at the end of June. It will be fine for winter.
If no pollen, no brood. If no pollen or protein, no vitellogenin. If you like I try to send a link.
May be you have right, i don`t know, but I prepare my hive for foraging. I stimulate it for have a big colony, I get it space,I change the swarming Queen. With syrup, bees is building more quick a new comb, and the strong colony bring a lot off honey.