Mike, you're either using too large a marshmallow, or improperly impaling them. You have to twist the mallow once it is on to properly seat it. Headspacing is once again an issue with the MN in this situation as well, placing the mallow the proper distance from the muzzle is CRUCIAL, as you are quite likely to encounter just the problem you mentioned. Brand selection is important as well, you want a mallow that is firm but still somewhat soft. Old Hungarian ammo may be good, but surplus Warsaw Pact-era marshmallows are not noted for their flavor. Corrosive primers are also not recommended, as they impart a bitter flavor and can lead to what seasoned medical professionals refer to as "a rumbly in the tummy." There is also the issue of tooth decay, although really it's hard to tell whether the primers or the marshmallows are more of a danger.
I'm glad the Soviets never thought of the whole marshmallow idea, as the thought of hundreds of thousands of conscripted teenaged soldiers in the midst of a SERIOUS sugar jag would certainly have affected the balance of military power in the Cold War and, quite frankly, just plain gives me the willies.
BTW just out of curiousity, I just checked and discovered that the bayonet tip is indeed the same size and shape as a #2 flathead screwdriver. Which means that you can use one M44 to field strip another M44, albeit with less than absolute gracefulness. Now I'm forced to wonder if this little tidbit of design is intentional, as it does seem like typical Soviet military thinking of the period (submersible aircraft and circular battleships spring to mind with disturbing ease), or if it just means that a screwdriver tip is indeed the perfect shape for piercing flesh, which I have absolutely ZERO trouble believing.....
On the serious note, Limeyfellow, is the bayo removal affecting accuracy from personal experience? I haven't noticed a bit of difference with mine removed at all.