Yep I don't see much use for facing either, even though I'm otherwise a maniac for detail (and unplayability). In a way it's already included via the column shifts for additional attackers (maybe you could add a simple Gamers like rule for two attacks from opposite directions giving an additional boost).
Now that I think about it, one reason I never thought of facing in the context of CH is probably that I've tried to get rid of combined combat, that is to say that I wanted to create a table and rules encforcing single combat (as the medieval period saw very little organised/cooperative fighting).
P.S.: And if we were to use facing, would the left side get a defensive advantage for a shield, the right an offensive advantage, maybe even differenciation for rear-left, rear-right and front-left and front-right? And of course anyone bearing a pot helmet would have restricted defense outside his vision arc.
Marc aka Caran...
ministrare honor est