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Reformation and Counter-Reformation: the tactical uses of combat reform

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Fidelis von Sigmaringen:
I first got the idea for this as a result of rules discussions on this forum back in 2013 (!), but I never got around to writing it down. As a result of a similar rules discussion on EEFL, I started a thread there - so, it is more than proper to start a similar thread here, hopefully to the benefit of those that still play 8th edition WFB. 

There is much more to Combat Reform than meets the eye. But before we elaborate, we must first look at the rules of combat reform themselves (BRB p. 55), since they are often misunderstood.

First of all, there is a necessary Erratum, without which the rule cannot be played. Since the first update version in 2010, the text of the third paragraph now reads (changes in Italics):

BRB p. 55 (updated to Official Update Version 1.9):

A combat reform is essentially a standard reform (page 14), save for the fact that the centre point of the reformed unit does not have to stay in the same place. The most common usage of a combat reform is to allow the unit to turn to face its enemy (if attacked in the flank or rear), although it can also be used to bring more models into the fight by increasing the unit's frontage. There are two special restrictions on a combat reform, however — it cannot be used to get a model (friend or foe) out of base contact with the enemy if it was in contact before the reform was made was made, and the unit may not reform in such a way as to contact a different facing on any enemy unit it is in contact with. The model can be in base contact with a different enemy at the end of the reform if you wish.

Padre:
Very good. More please. I want to win more battles.

Warlord:
Zombie conga lines?

Fidelis von Sigmaringen:
It is about combat reform. The possibility of combat reform into a conga line are very limited - and the usefullness even more.

Fidelis von Sigmaringen:
Reformation and Counter-Reformation (continued)

If you are wondering about the second restriction: as we shall see, that basically applies to "clipping."

There is a recurring, but incorrect assumption that, because a combat reform is “essentially a standard reform,” you are only allowed options A, B or C in the diagram on BRB p. 14.

This is incorrect for a standard reform, and even more so for a combat reform:

The diagram does not limit the written standard reform rule itself. While A, B and C are examples of what you can do in a standard reform, that does not mean they are the only things you can do in a standard reform. For instance, you can use a standard reform to change the position of the command group and/or characters within the unit, without moving the unit from its current position.
For a combat reform, the diagram is completely irrelevant, because, contrary to a standard reform, the centre point of the unit can change, indeed, in most cases must change. And a flexible centre point allows you far more options for reforming a unit.

Furthermore, it is very important to note that if both sides can make a combat reform (in case of a draw, or if the loser has passed the Ld test), the winner of a roll-off decides who goes first. Going first, however, is not always the best! Depending on the intent of the combat reform, you may well need to go last to achieve your goal.

Finally, note the following additional restrictions:

BRB p. 14: Remember that none of the models in the unit can move more than twice their Movement rate.
BRB p. 55: If a unit is engaged to more than one facing (say to the front and one flank), it cannot make combat reforms.

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