That's the key though, actual melee combat usually only took place in rough or built-up terrain. In the open field, one side would usually balk before contact was made. I just hope we don't see armies using assault columns in the early part of the game. They should be a tech gained late in the game based on a Military Academy Building. The French only started experimenting with assault columns during the Seven Years War and it was never official doctrine until the Revolutionary period.