Permanent (?) Monster Modifiers on Hirelings

[deltaalphakilo]

Excerpt from the Munchkin 4: Need for Steed rules sheet:

Using Monster Modifiers on Hirelings
You may play any monster modifier to a Hireling. Put the modifier
behind and above the Hireling . . . so, for instance, your hireling can
become Ancient.
However, these modifiers don’t count as much on Hirelings. A +5 modifier
card makes the hireling worth +1 level in any battle. A +10 makes it worth +2
levels.
Negative modifiers cannot be applied to Hirelings unless they already have
positive modifiers on them. In that case, the negative modifier counteracts an
equivalent positive modifier. So if a rival makes his hireling Ancient (+2
bonus), you could play Baby to it at any time (even in combat), making it a
Baby Ancient Hireling with only a +1 bonus.

Am I correct in reading that:

1) Monster Modifiers can be played on Hirelings at any time, rather than during combat as the card dictates. And

2) The modifier is a permanent addition to the Hireling.

Thanks in advance for the assist and keeping up with everyone's questions. This forum has been a wonderful information resource for our games. :)

[Andrew Hackard]

That rule is no longer valid, as of the 2010 rule revisions to the Munchkin line. If you are still using the older rules, then yes, it's a permanent modifier.

You can always find the most recent rules for every set at this page.

[deltaalphakilo]

We're trying to stay as up to date as possible with errata. Guess we missed that bit. Thanks for the swift reply!