I much prefer the current chain system. It works fine for me.
In fact, I hate formations. Feels like robots, not people. More like a board game than an rpg.
I too dislike the formation system used in earlier games.
Bg3's system is working for me.
DRAGON FIRE-AND DOOM Dragons? Splendid things, lad-so long as ye look upon them only in tapestries, or in the masks worn at revels, or from about three realms off... Astragarl Hornwood, Mage of Elembar - Year of the Tusk