how well a formation works and how much you crash into a wingman also depends on the server lag ( as we all know )
we have "hopes" that the lag might be reduced due to a few measures taken. - currently - all that is nothing but THEORY - but IF it works out fine... we might end up with a better ping, less package loss ( unless client side ) and better working formations. ( along with other things lag related )
to be honest - i don t see a great problem with ships taking minor damage when they take a longer tour. - but i have yet to test the collision damage myself - haven t found a battleship yet i d wish to crash into.