This is where more commands would have a great use.
"Skein formation" - "Shields up" - "Ignore targets" - "Move" to make your infantry push through enemy lines, clearing way for your shocks.
Sure, your units would be somewhat tanking/forfeit, but by skein-shield-moving without fighting, buy precious time for teammates to slaughter the ones seperated by the skein with shields or whatever.
Advanced tactics aren't possible without more captain control like weapon overrides, "equip shield" (regardless of formation) and "Ignore proximity" so they don't get baited cause there's 1 enemy 7 m. away