So Brian,,,,,, does that mean it shouldn't get any Sun during the winter?
Sun isn't as important in the winter, a little light is fine for dormant evergreens, and is unnecessary for leafless deciduous trees. Some sun won't hurt as long as the roots aren't frozen solid...more on this in a second...
Am I over thinking your answer by asking that question?
Nope.
It seems like you're saying that I should allow it to "Toughen Up" some,,, but should plan on insulating the roots. and remove it from rain, snow, sun etc.
Yes, let it toughen up. They need to be exposed to the elements and seasonal changes to be strong, our job is to pay attention and make sure they have the resources to thrive.
I'm also curious to know more about your freeze-drying comment. Does that statement mean that since the pot is so small and not a lot of soil depth to guard the roots, that they could possibly be "Freezer Burned"?
You're mostly right. Trees in the ground typically have root systems that extend deeper than the frost line, and bonsai don't have that safeguard. Water in the form of ice in bonsai pots is not available for roots to absorb. If you look closely at a frozen coarse soil, the granules actually look dry, and you can see ice crystals between them. I don't remember the chemistry (sadly) but it looks like the moisture leaches out of the soil as it freezes.
More importantly, roots can't absorb frozen water, but evergreen trees will transpire in the sunshine, and need to take up water from the roots to replace it, but frozen roots can't meet that need. This is freeze-drying. I actually did this to a white pine last winter. Cold weather hit unexpectedly, I set it on the ground, not under a bench, and raked up a bunch of leaves to cover the pot. The next day was warmer and very sunny. The tree got full sun for a few days, but the roots stayed frozen under the leaves. Bad move, and the tree reminded me of it all year with yellow-tipped needles that are just now (finally) dropping off.
I'm asking this also because you made the comment about your Bonsais being frozen and not needing much attention.
When they're frozen, out of the wind and out of the sun, they just don't need a lot of attention in the winter. Down here, mulched in and under the benches, we get enough rain that they don't dry out under the mulch.
I don't mean to be a nuisance with all these questions but I've grown fond of this Juniper and have turned it into something that really looks like a Bonsai instead of the "Strip of Evergreen" that was presented to me on a past birthday. I kept it inside last winter and then found out that I shouldn't have done that. That's when I joined this forum and started asking before I made anymore mistakes.
We've all done it...killing trees is just part of it for a while, but always learn why.