Phalanx V-formation...exploit?

[Olaf The Great]

Yeah V for Gate defence, and Square for Field engagements.

Both "kinda" exploits, but when facing an enemy with missiles of ANY sort, you'll be killed.


BTW, in the case of non phalanx spears, what are the horses afraid of?

Or is just the ease of someone PUSHING you off the horse that causes the "bonus" in that case?


EDIT: Did Greeks or other tight pike formations ever actually "use" the V shape?
Like when defending gates or chokepoints?

Considering that the pikes would be overlapping, its basically a wall.