When does this element conform?

[william]

I think this is moot and further complicated by the absence of a definition for "lined up" within the rules (though if I've missed it please direct me).

No you haven't missed it.  There is no definition for "lined up", which puts this debate at an impasse......

Phil did come out with a definition on the YAHOO group ( when pressed ), can not find it and IIRC it does not take in to account the lining up as this example or to the rear.

William

[arvnranger]

DBMM List Msg 88856

Lining up in contact is shorthand for ending in both front edge and corner to
corner contact.
Lining up out of contact is shuffling sideways so you can in future move
straight ahead into contact without further adjustment.

The term has been used since before DBA, so it is a little late to start
misunderstanding it!

Phil

[LawrenceG]

DBMM List Msg 88856

Lining up in contact is shorthand for ending in both front edge and corner to
corner contact.
Lining up out of contact is shuffling sideways so you can in future move
straight ahead into contact without further adjustment.

The term has been used since before DBA, so it is a little late to start
misunderstanding it!

Phil

Under that definition an element contacted on its flank is not lined up, so can use an EMTLU, unless, of course, it is already lined up with something else.

[william]

DBMM List Msg 88856

Lining up in contact is shorthand for ending in both front edge and corner to
corner contact.
Lining up out of contact is shuffling sideways so you can in future move
straight ahead into contact without further adjustment.

The term has been used since before DBA, so it is a little late to start
misunderstanding it!

Phil

Under that definition an element contacted on its flank is not lined up, so can use an EMTLU, unless, of course, it is already lined up with something else.

 :oThere are a few more issues involving elements theat are TZed to flank and rear as well, the definition has not yet become part of the rules, clarificatons, commentary or errata.

William

[LawrenceG]

The definition of lining up needs to be expanded to include rotation as well as "shuffling sideways" and also to cover all and only legal close combat contacts.

I suggest that

"Lined up" be defined as :
if in contact, in both front edge and front corner to front corner contact, or in both front edge to rear edge and corner to corner contact;
if not in contact, positioned so that a hypothetical move straight ahead to contact would end lined up in contact.

Then "lining up" is any move that ends with the element lined up.

That should cover all cases of being TZed from flank or rear and all orientations of the element you are lined up with.