Gnoblar formation dilemma

So talking to Northvoice got me thinking about Gnoblars once more and i had a thought (Dangeros i know).

How to run units of 10 Gnoblars, i have been playing the traditional 5 wide 2 deep but maybe i should be playing them 3 wide 3 deep +1

The benefits are that they will receive less incoming attacks in close combat, a smaller footprint but maintain everything they can already do

What are peoples experiences of this?

On the point of reducing incoming attacks:  What combat are you expecting to survive in the first place with 10 gnoblars?  5 wides will still get full attacks: the gnoblars still get maimed.  Unless you conga-line them, they're dead.  Even if you conga-line, they'll break.

The reason you don't want to reduce frontage is it actually does impact their ability to redirect.  It's harder to get in their way if you present a smaller frontage.  5 wide is not too large and not too small.

The only reason to reduce frontage is to reduce their footprint on the deployment line.  Don't let 25 points influence your deployment.  Put them where you know they won't be in the way.

It also looks messy.  I hate hanging pieces.  Gotta be clean!

If using trappers then whichever formation suits the environment is fine.  But if not, then 5x2 is better because your not giving up rank bonus/steadfast.