There was a pretty good-sized thread about squad composition that eventually petered out. However, some thought that the platoon should be the focus of the discussion. Near the end of the afore-mentioned thread, some commented on a 40-man platoon being too large.

My question: What is the optimal size of a platoon? And then, how large the company? Is there a known or preferred (I am sure) maximum? Where do effectiveness and span of control intersect and where do they diverge?

I am primarily focused on the infantry platoon and company. However, comments on other forces would certainly be of interest.