Permanent (?) Monster Modifiers on Hirelings
 

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. :)

Re: Permanent (?) Monster Modifiers on Hirelings
 

That rule is no longer valid, as of the 2010 rule revisions to the Munchkin line.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.

Re: Permanent (?) Monster Modifiers on Hirelings
 

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