Hi gents!
First, here's the usual disclaimer about the alpha: things might get changed/tweaked, etc. etc.
Now for the thoughts regarding charging and skirmishing in relation to the formation buff system; We want to make a head on charge an extremely risky move if not planned and acted out right - and of course a certain amount of luck is needed as well. It is possible to somewhat stay "In Formation" while you charge if you're aware of eachother while you do so - don't expect to be for long though as the formation buff requires 6 players within a relatively close proximity of each other to kick in. Once enough charging players have been killed off there is therefore an almost certainty of the formation buff no longer being in effect. It is at this stage an attacking enemy needs to consider if they wish to keep on the charge (and all risk getting killed while being "Out of Line") or retreat and get back into a formation.
Skirmishers will find themselves out of line in the current setup of the system. That too is intended. Yes, you might face a penalty for being out of line but you do have a massive advantage of, effectively, being able to sit in a bush picking off enemies in that nice big formation up ahead.
- Trusty