Hi,
My vote is melee in column anywhere anytime. But many if not most players don't agree. There have been a couple of threads in the past discussing the pros and cons.
My personal preference is to examine a scenario in detail before and even while I'm playing it, and I expect my opponent to do the same, though we have played a couple blind. So hiding abatis is usually wasted on me. As I recall, most of the abatis I have come across has been in front of fortifications, so if you prefer to play blind scout the avenues of approach before conducting an attack. I don't think skirmishers will work though.
Problem being anyone who has played a scenario already has an advantage over someone who hasn't. Anyway, clarify everything ahead of time with your opponent like General Ned said,
and you should be OK.
PS: Here is what I believe to be the last thread on the subject.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=20655&hilit=melee+in+column