Have the older lyson one with the impeller pump. The newer model has a gear pump and I presume drips less. I have the bigger turntable and wouldn't want it to be any smaller
I think unless you do something similar to the carnica population there will never be progress. Really what's being created then is an Amm subspecies to replace or eradicate the wild/unselected genes
Some of the most vocal against imports into Ireland were also the biggest exporters for a time (no idea if that's still the case). It was never possible to get health certificates issued for bees in Ireland.
1kg of package bees with queen is probably costing €55 each collected from northern Italy. Add in transport, 5 frames and a gallon of Syrup and maybe a 90% queen acceptance rate