I will play using 15mm figures.
I started out with 40mm x 25mm bases with 8 figures each, but then decided that 48 figure Austrian units, while very nice looking, were perhaps a bit impractical.
So I decided I'd switch to 30mm x 25mm bases with 6 figures on a base. Also, I thought this might be a bit more compatible with other rules sets should I want to try something different.
I think that this is a very wise choice for the reasons you mentioned, and for other reasons. Also, should your figure collection be of the earlier more popular 1:30/1:33 arrangement, this also makes it easier to re-base to Lasalle. See thread:
http://www.sammustafa.com/honour/forum/topic/basing-for-fixed-130-or-133-figure-collections-what-did-you-do-15mm-figs
I now use 30mm x 24mm bases and affix six infantry figures or two cavalry figures per base. For artillery, I use bases that measure 30mm x 40mm. I then affix at least two crew and cannon.
Originally, we were going to use 28.6mm as a BW since a lot of our older figures were mounted on bases that measured 1-1/8" x 1/2" (28.6mm), but in the end 30mm x 24mm became the standard for us. With the bigger 15's (true 18mm and 19mm figures) this works just fine. But with real 15mm figures (true 15mm), I think it looks a little "lose", but passable. This is what you get when there is no set standard in the figure industry and we end up with figures that vary from true 15mm to true 19mm height - at this scale, a difference of 3mm to 4mm is very noticeable, which was their plan in the first place (trying to force you to use only their figures).
Either works well with figures in march attack pose, but I just bought a bunch of painted Old Glory in sdvancing/trail arms poses and it's proving a challenge to fit 6 of those on a 25mm deep base.
Yes, the "March Attack" pose is the best to work with, but I fully understand what you mean about those Old Glory in advancing pose. If these are some of the newer sculpts, then they are true 18mm and stocky. But trust me, you can get them to fit! You might be restricted from places certain poses next to each other, but you can get them to fit and make it look good. If we can fit 6 of these figures on a 30mm x 24mm base, you should find it a tad easier to place them on a 30mm x 25mm base.
1. What basing convention would be the most versatile (i.e. would allow me to play LaSalle and other popular rules sets).
The basing convention talked about above, but it depends on the game. You can even play Polemos Napoleonics buy placing two 30mm BW next to each other. You cannot do that with 40mm BW.
2. Does an increased depth base (say 30mm) interfere with the Lasalle game mechanics in any significant way.
It shouldn't, but there is no need. As it is, infantry and cavalry units are much too deep, but this is a direct result of the figure basing than anything else.
Hope this helps.
