Elite and Disciplined units

[PershsNhpios]

Let me hypothesise sirrah, since I have the time, and because no one else is currently present.

First question, let it be addressed (And know that I have no statistical knowledge, simply game-play experience):

If you are talking about vanilla, which it must be presumed that we all are, I say that units such as generic muslim levies and peasants tend to be poorly formed and generally no less resistant than a house of cards.

Most units though which can seriously be used for combat are similar in cohesion.

The only way this structure can be altered is through the buttons you mentioned (Loose, Tight, Wedge, Engage-at-will formation), and the defense option to hold position.

Really, I think that these provide all the variety for cohesion necessary in the game!
The only regret I have is that units can never reside on the same position!
This means that light infantry cannot be mingled with light cavalry, axes cannot be concealed within spears and so on (A tactic I would use consistently in RTW).

Truly though, I cannot provide the answer you are looking for, as I know of no stats...

But I hope my opinion at least kindles the flame of discussion!

Lastly, the problems you describe with unit cohesion seem to be caused rather by conflicting orders or pursuit than statistics, for example, if one unit pursued two fleeing units, or if one was caught in conflict with another unit and you asked it to march fifty metres in retreat.


Question two, may it be blessed and correctly attended!

I am interested in this myself, but the variables contributing to the designation of Impetuousity as either a blessing or a curse are so situational, so numerous, that it cannot possibly be planned for, I fear!

Terrain is a factor, positional context (I dare say this trait would only be tactically useful on defense) and enemy troops also.

What unit is impetuous and likely to charge?
Is he likely to have immediate support for his +4 morale boost?
Can he be positioned so that the weakness of the enemy will be his chosen target?

Of course, the only reason why this is plausible as a useful tactic is because the AI loves to taunt impetuous units, even to the point of being suicidal.

Here is the dream scenario.

King Malcolm III of Scotland is assaulted by King William II of England, who is leading 500 men-at-arms, supported by archers and heavy horse.
All Malcolm the Giddy has are four hundred highlanders who haven't slept beneath a roof for two thirds of their lifetime.

But he is not giddy without reason, for the highlanders are impetuous!

Keeping them walled off inside a forest, out of range of archers and immune to cavalier actions, the English infantry decide to wander into the woods and taunt the blighters outside.
Then the cavalry attempt to taunt them.

Finally, King William II manages somehow to escape with his life back to Northumbria, and the ransom for his son Alfred pays for a Scottish offensive into the south.

How is that s'ah?