I am not denying that first rank - in some armies did kneel for repelling cavalry, for some time, but in most armies this seemingly changed during the Napoleonic time.

In theory first rank should kneel in a fire fight as well, but in practice this wasn't even done in the field even in the 7YW.

My point was only - that the fire control was the key factor of repelling cavalry.

As for the French Oliver put up good links - I would find it odd that despite those regulations - first rank of French infantry would kneel when repelling cavalry - as being trained standing.