Attack rearmost - how does it really work?

[Gandalf Parker]

I know that the combat replay is just a visual representation of a combat which has been decided by formula, and the visuals might not have actually been factored in. As far as "attack rearmost" and "hold and attack, rearmost" I think they are different but it might just be an impression that is worth testing.

My favorite is to use attack rearmost from one flank (usually left flank, upper screen), and hold and attack rearmost from the other (right flank). The fact that the enemy charges forward and seems to shift slightly toward the first attack appears to make a difference in what the second attack hits when I watch the battles. But I havent bothered to try and track numbers on the tactic. It seems to hit the back back squads more often, or at least the truly backside of the enemy frontlines.

Another thing Ive noticed (at least as far as AI) is the tendency to place archers to the top side of the screen (their right flank). Placing tramplers or cavalry with lances on the bottom side of my screen (my right flank) with orders to charge archers tends to take them across the entire enemy army on their way to the archers. Is that just visual impression or effective?

And thanks to you both for such great exampling.