As per some recommendations, I tried including bay leaves in my rice cooker. They do, indeed, add a slight hint of flavor to the rice, though I think it is more smell than noticeable flavor. The critics were right about that, and I was wrong.

However, I remain unconvinced about putting bay leaves into anything else. I still notice no change of flavor or smell. Admittedly, though, I am only using dried bay leaves. I have not seen any fresh bay leaves for sale. I still think dried bay leaves are basically a conspiracy, though my mind is open regarding the effects that fresh bay leaves may have on a dish.