Tactics Questions - Line and Column, Stacked or Not Stacked

[BigDuke66]

That is why the only justification to use a line comes from using phases where you can maximize & optimize your defensive fire and by that are able to stop the attacker sometimes.
If not playing phases it's basically a game of "Who steps on who's toes first." meaning that the one who melees first might also carry the whole engagement to his advantage.