Am I the only one to have noticed that aligning in combat is now specified as being by file, or was this always the intention

Taken in conjunction with the diagrams I think it is clear that the whole UG moves when aligning - I think the wording using file (well UG is mentioned as well) just makes it clear how the individual files move in a clearer way than saying just UG all the time.

Note also 5.2 on page 135 which I think is relevant.