So... this morning I was thinking maybe we can streamline the turning part of ground combat.
Removing tactical depth is certain to attract naysayers, I myself has said no for other ideas too, so here is another option...
If we press Alt when we issue the order to move, the soldier will move sideway / backstep as necessary to keep their facing.
I won't mind if it cost a little bit of additional TU per tile. I find myself doing this on two soldiers for three turns in a row:
Walk