Is there any benefit to a hive stand with landing board?

[paus]

I thought the sloped "mouse ramps" looked cool so I made some DSBB with the ramps.  The bees NEVER used it.

[Ben Framed]

They do look cool Plus, I agree! Perhaps a sloped ramp might be handy when introducing a swarm to its new home hive location? But even still, personally I do fine without it in this case too.  I use a piece of plywood laid against the two inch lip that I described earlier, for that purpose. Which by the way, another good advantage for the two inch lip or 'landing area' if you will, in my opinion.
Please do not misunderstand me, I am not advocating 'for, nor against' a sloped entrance. A beekeeper should do waterever works best for them and their program, per their methods of beekeeping. Experience is a wonderful teacher and there is more than one successful way of doing things in beekeeping.

Phillip

[NigelP]

I think it  depends a bit on your climate. In early spring  (UK) day time temps vary quite quickly and bees that are out flying and  hit by sudden cold when returning to hives seem to aim at entrance, landing above and below and if no ramp fall to ground and die.. Those that land on the "ramps" at least have a chance to walk into the hive. When I didn't use what we call landing boards I often saw a pile of dead bees below hive in spring.  Less so since I've used them.

In summer I often see bees taking ythe "evening breeze" out walking them.