Paul H.-
I don't believe sugar:water ratios are all that critical either. Just remember why your feeding in the first place. If your goal is to give them an energy source and temperatures are warm enough so they'll accept it, make as concentrated a sugar solution as you can. No sense diluting that energy source with any more water than necessary. Even I can boil water on the stove and add sugar until it won't dissolve anymore. Of course, I've gotten lazier. I just fill quart Mason jars about two thirds full with sugar, a splash of lemon or lime juice,add water until full, and throw it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or until the sugar dissolves...and while have the lime juice out I mix up a gin and tonic for this old beekeeper and the bees and I both enjoy our refreshing ****tails! (Interesting it takes just as long to mix my drink as it takes the microwave to dissolve the sugar!!! Of course, if you have more than one hive you either need some friends or learn how to drink excessively!!!)
Got to love this hobby! Sad part is when the nectar flows and they don't need the sugar syrup anymore...I end up drinking alone!