Reenactment Legion Uniformity vs Variety

[Salvianus]

After Matthews argument we'll have to re-think our policy on uniformity of scutum design.

My experience is that significantly smaller (or larger) shields can cause problems in the tight shield formations - testudo etc. causing imperfections in the wall.

That's not an argument against their existence, as already noted. I seem to recall standard bearers depicted with smallish oval shields and smaller shields recommended for light patrols. They were obviously used successfully by skirmishers of various periods. They presumably would not be deployed mixed in with heavy infantry shields.

I have no reason to believe that a few inches would matter and a few very exceptional shields might easily fall back etc in a large scale formation.

Spot the little'un and it's effect:

http://www.comitatus.net/Vindolanda06/vindo20.JPG