Hoplite spacing and formation

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

Yes they do lose some length range,however we're talking about some cm here...less that 10.I don't think this is a problem. But look how the shields are locked.Lets say the want to unlock shields while not in battle,in order to maneuver.How would they do this?It'a impossible in (D).
(E) does not allow very close formation,and does not explain why the hoplites tried to protected by the hoplite to his right(as Thucydides states) and also it is not very stong during the othismos.Finally,it also doesn't allow the shields to be locked and unlocked easilly.Given all these,(E) can be rulled out.The debate should be between C and D
Khaire
Giannis