Othismos: Classical vs Crowd Theory Othismos

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

But its accuracy doesn't concern us,does it? I merely post it as an example of how some teams of people in ranks and files might choose to push like,and draw imagination and ideas from them. I find this more suitable for comparison,than mere rugby,since here their only goal is to push the other team back.
Something to note is that with four ranks these people doesn't seem to suffer from asphixiation even without aspides. On the other hand,looking closely to them,they seem to make some use of the pike,as it croses their abdomen,to push the man in front.
The other question is,if they can do it without aspides,would it really be so unthinkable to apply full pressure in similar groups of hoplites? Would it really be more dangerous?
Khaire
Giannis