My question is, should all my frames be the small cell or should I provide other options for the bees. Would it make sense to use standard frames for honey supers and restrict the plastic frames to the brood chambers? Will they make drone cells on the small frames? I expect to use three mediums in each hive as brood chambers, will that be sufficient or is another one needed? PF 120 frames are all plastic, is plastic more difficult to work with as far as maintenance? I am new and am most comfortable starting out with assembled equipment so for now making frames is out.
Whatever you decide, put all the same types of frames in each box. For example, if you use the PF120's, run all PF120's in that box. If the bees show a preference for the wooden frames (which they are very likely to do), they will be reluctant to draw the PF120's. And draw the wooden frames out wide and make a comb surprise.
Running all PF120's in the brood chamber is not a bad idea. I don't remember seeing any drone cells on my PF120's. Although I don't run a lot of the PF120s.
I run an "unlimited" broodnest, so I can't comment if three eight frame mediums is enough. I like to overwinter in four eight frame mediums. Most of my eight frame colonies liked four eight frame mediums as a broodnest, some liked five. You can control this somewhat. Once they have a frame of stores, put your supers above that. The queen is not likely to cross honey supers to lay eggs.
All things considered, with medium frames, I like a plain foundationless wood frame the best. You can buy wood frames pre assembled. Keep your hives level, and they will draw the frames in the broodnest just fine.
Shane