Pretty easy to solve the last point: Take the line formation, lead with the character that you want to initiate the fight. This way the repositioning of your units often work to your advantage e.g. at chokepoints - your company will rush through the chokepoint to assume formation positions, thus avoiding spending action points.
Only downside - you must be careful advancing as the game engine sometimes has odd opinions on how the line should be built.
Regards
Thorsten
