I have used pikes very successfuly as the Scots. Both with bows and with mecenary Aquebusiers. Unfortunately the Scots do not get any faction gunpowder infantry Just put your bowmen or gunpowder infantry inside the reach of the pikes for protection and when you have amissle superiority let the missle troops do their thing. When the enemy has a missle superiority then advance with the pikes into the enemy line. I have not lost a battle this way yet. You only have to protect the fanks of this formation. One way to do that is by angling the end units at about 45 degrees. The key to any battle is to force the enemy to fight on your terms, not his. If you have an infantry superiority, then attack him with it. If you have a missle superiority, then rain death on this army at a distance. I also highly recommend that you use cannons with a pike and musket army. Put the cannons in the middle of the line, or at either end of the line. If you place the cannons at the end of the line, and maneuver correctly. You can get enfilade fire on the enemy line with your cannons. Use cavalry to protect your flanks and rear, and to strike the enemy rear and flanks when opportunity presents itself. The key is to initiate the action, and dictate the terms of the battle to the enemy