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Originally Posted by Dinadon
I think your flaw is comparing TL 5 armies to TL 3 armies. Changing how your unit is deployed is relatively trivial compared to switching weapons. How exactly does your unit manage to untangle itself from the mess of melee without the enemy just following, or breaking through your battle line? Where do they put their shield and spear so that it isn't in the way? What about their quarrel and crossbow? Falling back to the baggage train isn't the best option, and keeping it on them can mean opponents may damage the crossbows.
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This is a TL3+1 army that is specifically using TL5 infantry tactics.
The crossbow is kept on them, in a padded bag. Yes, that adds weight, but then again, soldiers have often been loaded heavily and it rarely kills them. Might wish it did, but it usually doesn't. Of course it can be damaged in battle, but that's what battle does. It kills or wounds soldiers and damages equipment. That's why casualties give a penalty on Strategy.
And a unit that's locked in melee would usually not consider changing roles. At that point it's too late. It's stuck as Medium Infantry for the rest of the fight.
When working as Bowmen, they will usually try to put the spears and shields in front of them, to act as a barrier and some cover. The spears have a small butt spike to facilitate being stuck in the ground and the shield is designed to stand upright if lashed to a spear.