KenV, with respect I think you are mixing the different types of formation,and manoeuvres within those formations.
Close Formation- like the T`Birds,Arrows,PdeFrance etc; you use references such as wingtip/nose/rudder to give you spacing and position,and you hold that `picture` following the leader`s every move.that `picture should stay in it`s relative position irrespective of whether you are in a turn,level,rolling or looping.
Tactical- a much broader /longer gap between aircraft,and usually done in sections seperated by maybe a couple of miles.This allows full freedom of movement of each aircraft to manoeuvre/checking for hostiles and avoiding,and using natural features for cover/radar shadow.
SKE- usually a long stream of aircraft,but may be in sections spaced by both timing/distance/bearing from the Lead aircraft; usually used to airdrop paras/loads/equipment etc over a specified L/DZ.When lead turns ,you fly to that position ,then turn,otherwise it looks like `ballroom dancing`...
In a multi/large aircraft in `echelon`,and going for a `break`,it is fair game to let the pilot on the `break` side do it,as he can see the preceding aircraft and control the roll and pull,keeping the other aircraft `on the horizon`...