WaW/H2H question.

[Steel God]

Matt, I'm rusty at SP, but I'm here so I'll give a shot going from memory.

You're correct that the stance doesn't matter if you are NOT using C&C. With C&C off the units will automatically adopt the stance that is most advantageous to them (for example, if you leave them stationary they will switch to defend and eventually dug in by themselves).

If you have C&C on, you must use orders and have contact (radio of LOS) to have a unit change it's stance. If don't switch a unit to defend it will never dig in.

Obviously the advantages in stance are tied to better protection from fire, less suppression, and more op fire on the defense.