Empirical testing of hoplite performance

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

Paul,i know that this was just an example of how could an empirical test be valuable,but still we wouldn't gain much in our knowlege of what the used in which way. What i mean is that we may find that the rates of all three lines are decreased when stabbing all together. What is fundamental to draw any conclusions though is how three rows prevent an oposing phalanx to stab or even come close! It may be that none of the three ranks has any freedom to move or space to stab with any accuracy,but it may also be that three rows of points protruding are such an obstacle for the oponents that actually makes their lives much more difficult.And this we will never know.
This is not a critique agains your general idea of how re-enactors could help, but perhaps it would be more useful for conditions that can be simulated with exact accuracy to the ancient experience. Like a march or charge for instace.
Khaire
Giannis