The type of testing really has nothing to do with whether the UUT is considered a principal unit or not. The primary intent of MIL-S-901D testing is to simulate the actual shipboard enviroment the equipment will see. The choice of test type is dictated by several factors. Equipment weight is one consideration. Each shock machine has a combined weight limit for the test fixture and the item being tested. Once you get over 7400 pounds, you have no choice but to go to the barge. The large floating shock platform can handle a payload of up to 400,000 pounds. Another consideration in test types, is how the equipment is mounted aboard the ship. For items that will be attached directly to the hull (internal) or a bulkhead, the LWSM is typically used providing the combined equipment and fixture weight is under 550 pounds. The LWSM is basically for smaller hard mounted equipment.
The MWSM is used for hull and deck mounted equipment, providing the deck mounted equipment is hard mounted or has isolation mounts with less than three inches of deflection.
The class of ship also determines the test type to a degree. For equipment on surface ships such as carriers, the frequencies of the decks are often fairly low. In these cases, the contract may require that the equipment be tested on a barge. The deck frequency may also be specified based on the particular equipment installation. Equipment that uses shock mounts that have a defelction capability greater than three inches must be tested on the barge.
As far as acceleration levels go, the peak values are the highest on the LWSM and are the lowest on the barge test with low frequency decks. The MWSM can produce an input on the order of 100Gs or more.
My advice would be to contact one of the test labs and ask them for actual data.