Slitherine

Gents,
1. In a 5 shot/bayonet and 1 Pike formation it states the Pike must be in the rear rank of the centre file I.e. not in the front rank. What then is the advantage of paying an additional point for having an Armoured Pike base over an Unarmoured Pike base as only front rank counts towards armour in melee?
2. I understand that the Pike makes the shot 'protected' but as they are Bayonet armed they have the equivalent of this already - so what is the point of having a Pike base?
Sorry if I've missed something obvious but am trawling rule book with no immediate answer - thanks in advance.

Remember that in melee the pike base is moved to the front rank.

For Nik's comment see p 75.

Also unprotected shot with bayonet are not the equivalent of protected shot. Although both negate the POA for mounted v. MF in open terrain, only pike or protected shot get a plus 1 POA against any mounted. See pp 123-124.

Thanks very much for the answers - page reference most useful.
Cheers.