Quincunx and Keppie\'s hypothesis

[Cesco]

Wouldn't it make more sense to have the first line take the brunt of the attack and fall back into the gaps in the second line? It would work especially well if the first line was used as a delay so the second and third lines could gain composure or an advantageous position.

the problem is : were gaps mantained during the melee :???: according to this account of Polybios they were closed :15. 14.3 ...