The "easier" part was simply implying that you can keep a bunch in your freezer and feed as needed. Not everyone lives near a rodent supplier or raises their own. For example, I have to drive 45 min to get live rodents....not worth it for me if my snakes will take f/t.

As far as the mites go...I am simply speaking from experience. I fed 1 live mouse to a new BP I picked up on his first feeding because he wasn't converted to f/t yet, as he was still young. Two days later, I had a mite outbreak of epic proportions. They can be transferred by rodents, and that is a chance I hope not to take again. I never said that it would definitely happen if you feed live...but I can guarantee you won't transfer mites from rodent to snake if you feed f/t.

It all comes down to a person's individual circumstance. If the guy lives next to a reputable, clean pet store, then go ahead and try live rodents. But up here in Jersey, there aren't very many of those. I still believe that the OP's snake's lessened feeding response sounds more like stress from a lack of secure hides than a rodent issue.

Good luck to the OP.