It isn't that people wouldn't be willing to go on the front line, it's that any organization of people that could lead to a frontline forming gets immediate repression or violent response. People don't want to die on a frontline for those in the back if there is nobody in back, which requires organization. Organization that will by default be considered an authority challenge to all current governments, politicians, and wealthy and powerful.

It is why everyone goes so hardline on socialist ideals and labor unions. Organization is required for people to accuratly project their power. And any organization of common people puts the powerful people at risk of being usurped from their position.