Using Mixed Formations?

[Plantagenet]

I might have missed something here but is there anywhere in the rule book that describes HOW mixed formations work as opposed to merely describing what units might be in them (e.g. what they LOOK like) and how great MeG is at representing such formations?  Can't find anything in the book using either the book index or the excellent index RJC did. 

If using a mixed formation of spears and crossbows, I'm looking for answers to queries like:

The spear are in the front rank.  If shooting, do they shoot at full effect?

When fighting, do they fight as spear at full effect?

Is there ever a need to be switching the ranks to put the Xbow in the front or is it the case there's no need to because they are just a unit that is always represented with spear in the front and xbow in the rear.  Been tempted to try them out a few times but never been able to find how they are used which leaves it to guess work. Maybe it's there and I just can't see for looking but some examples might have been helpful, or even a brief entry to indicate HOW they function.

[nikgaukroger]

Page 158 is your friend on the shooting - the Overhead Shooting section (and indeed E2 right at the top of the page).

As for fighting I think you're overthinking this a bit - you just applies the claims per the QRS that apply to the base in contact.

[Plantagenet]

Thanks.  Found the section E2.  Not trying to overthink it to be honest. The rules provide the option to used a Mixed Formation with a spear armed base in front and crossbow armed base in the rear.  That is distinctly different to a file of troops equipped in the same manner.  Thus it's not unreasonable to suspect that there MAY be some impact on how how the mixed formation performs when either fighting or firing. It seems that there isn't but dome mention of that might be useful in the rules even if it's merely to note there's no difference whatsoever, rather than leaving it down to guesswork. Clarity is useful at times.