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What you guys don't realize is that the reason mass pvp combat is the way it is is because of the tools available to the players.

Imagine this: a 5 man group forms, 3 tanks, 2 archers, the party leader chooses from a list of formations for the group (presumably with the input of the group members). He chooses a formation that has the 3 tanks in front, the two archers behind. 5 circles appear on the ground that your group can see that show where you should be standing. If the group stays approximately in those circles while they move and fight, the archers gain a massive defense bonus (the tanks are defending them from attacks) and each gains a bonus to range and ranged damage and the tanks get a big shield block bonus. The two flanking tanks gain an ability that allows them to do sweep attacks that prevent them from being flanked and the center tank gains immunity to sneak attacks. There is a cumulative morale bonus that affects total hp and damage of every member in the group depending on how many members are in their positions. The morale bonus could also be used to resist things like a fear affect inspired by a cavalry charge.

If any member breaks ranks and doesn't stand in the formation, that member loses the bonus and it begins to affect the bonuses the other members get including the morale bonus. If the entire group breaks formation, they all lose all bonuses.

To ensure that the players can stay together, limit their movement speed to the speed of the most encumbered players. Light armored archers will move slowly behind the heavy tanks and it will ensure everyone could stay in formation.

As you can see, if the gameplay gives players the tools and the incentive to fight in formation, they will. But, no current game does that. Players always work with what they have and will primarily do whatever gives them the greatest reward and the best chance of success.