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You will get a lot of different opinions on this issue.
Just to clarify the basics... Melee in Column is always allowed in all games unless the players agree beforehand to disallow it. That is a common misunderstanding people have.
The intent behind the No Melee in Column House Rule is to avoid situations which more often occur in Turn-Based Games (games without a separate Melee Phase at the end). In these style of games a person can utilize Melee in Column with devastating effect. But in Phased-Based Games (with a separate Melee Phase) this isn't a real problem. Without any data to back it up, I would guess that 98% or more of Club Games are done using the Phased-Based style of gameplay in 2025.
Disallowing Melee in Column is a relic of the old days when Turn-Based Play was more common. Also you find it a popular rule amongst those who adamantly insist it is an ahistorical tactic and do not wish to see it utilized at all. Why is Meleeing in Column rarely used in general play? Mostly it is because meleeing in column is never a winning tactic for anyone in the grand scheme of things. It's only useful in unique and odd situations involving town, bridges, and creeks. In those instances, situtations like you asked about become very common and it opens a pandora's box of issues as to what is and isn't allowed. It is simply easier to just allow Melee in Column in Phased-Based Games rather than to try and think of and rule upon all possible Melee "what-ifs" beforehand.
Therefore, unless you and your opponent agreed beforehand to disallow Melee in Column... all your questions are a moot point.
If you did agree to not Melee in Column, then you have to talk to your opponent and clarify what you both meant by No Melee in Column so you are both on the same page.
Or, if you are just asking in a general sense...
Melee in Column in towns is the best tactic to use for a lot of reasons. The only alternative way to dislodge a person from a large town is to move into line and hope they rout from fire combat. The advantage is totally with the defenders in this case.
Setting up a defensive line one hex away from a creek or bridge crossing to "freeze" you opponent in column is a tricky/gamey tactic which can only be countered by a melee in column. You literally have no alternative aside from firing on them from your side of the creek and routing them away over time.
For my money, the best option is to always allow Melee in Column as you can avoid any disagreements down the road about the myriad of possible "what ifs" involving the rule's implementation.
_________________ Gen. Blake Strickler
Confederate General-in-Chief
El Presidente 2010 - 2012
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