I would not consider removing the plumes a fix, there was nothing historically inaccurate with them. It was purely for practical reasons, thus why I referred to it as "a minor tweak". I think it belongs in the miscellaneous category, and could be referred to as a "plume tweak".
It would be great if someone could convert solecist's splendid sound mod for Fire & Sword (http://forums.taleworlds.com/index.php?topic=169492.0) to Napoleonic Wars. The mod contains some excellent gunfire and explosion sounds as well as new sounds for bullets whizzing by, hitting the ground and so on. I experimented with it myself but was not successful, I have little experience with editing audio files, and do not know what characteristics the files must have in order to function properly in-game. It would definitely be preferable if this was done by someone competent, in order for it to be done properly.
A demonstration of solecist's sound mod: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdza4UevHkA
EDIT: I have made some further changes to the model files, the prussian and russian guard regiments as well as the russian hussars now also have the plumes removed. Also included in the zip file are a few separate, optional files who modify colour tone the uniforms and backpacks of some of the regiments within the various nations. For example: the french leather backpacks look darker, less like plastic.
Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?bt59g990bynmr6c
Prussian guard without massive plume: