2 lines or 3 lines

[aletoledo]

we had this discussion awhile back, but the morale system has really changed since then. I was a proponent of 3 ranks before mostly because it's easier to maneuver around the battlefield in a compact unit. If you have a long thin line of troops and you try to flank someone, your troops don't fire until the last guy lines up, which takes longer to happen since he has farther to run. I suppose if you don't maneuver much though, it would make sense to stay in two long lines.

Except, now the morale system makes units route a lot easier, so two lines can be easily crushed by a cav charge. I've seen half a unit of rifles lost to a single cav charge into the flank when they were strung out

I therefore only really use two lines in early, but in late it's not of much value and too risky.

[steifan]

Two lines without rank firing ability. Three ranks with rank fire.

The most extreme positioned line infantry to the flanks I usually
put in 4-5 ranks so they can form squares more quickly then when
being more spread out.
Of course that setting is dynamic according to the enemies' cavalry
strategy.

[Carpe Veritas]

Except, now the morale system makes units route a lot easier, so two lines can be easily crushed by a cav charge. I've seen half a unit of rifles lost to a single cav charge into the flank when they were strung out

Yes I've seen (my) Polish Hussars charge through two units of 2 lined infantry and come out the other side routing the units. Unless you feel that you can give good attention to the unit so your always ready to Square them.

Plus once rank fire is researched is there actually any +ve fire bonus to 2 lines?