What was the most impactful thing exchanged (good or bad / intentional or unintentional)

polling is a process and the outcome is not involved in the process itself.

the outcome, which is an unfavorable rating for a particular candidate is not affected by the mechanical process of polling.

it rather depends on the number of people voting in favor of the candidate.

this is an outcome of people's preferences.

c) troops march forward in close formation against newer, more accurate weapons

c. troops marched forward in close formation against newer, more accurate weapons