I am quite glad to hear that my findings were of use to you, Webstral. I originally conducted my research on bayonets primarily to satisfy my own curiosity, particularly because I always seek to manage my campaigns with the utmost efficiency. I wanted to discover the quantifiable effects of the bayonet technologies (if indeed the effects were quantifiable), so I could better prioritize my research on a campaign level. I also hoped to increase my overall combat effectiveness by obtaining a better understanding of the effects of bayonets and taking them into account when making decisons regarding unit recruitment, army composition, battlefield deployment, and melee combat.
As Pitt stated, I found that both Ring and Socket bayonets are permanently fixed on all bayonet-equipped units as soon as the technology has been researched.
Edit: After attempting to locate this guide on the Articles page, I was unable to find it. Pitt - Was the Bayonets Explained: Effects of Bayonets on Army Unit Statistics article ever posted to the Articles page? I would have made mention of this in the original thread in the Guides & Articles Forum, but it has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
[This message has been edited by Francis Marion (edited 08-28-2013 @ 05:47 PM).]