How literal is this phrase?

Sample examples at http://tinyurl.com/is-it-lit

firing line:

Definitions:

  1. the line from which soldiers deliver fire
  2. the most advanced and responsible group in an activity

Examples:

  1. that are forced to be more responsible , because they are the ones in the firing line . ' If you are going to have a go at fast food , you
  2. of these men who gave their lives . Okay they were not on the front firing line but they risked their lives .... never was so much owed to so few .....
  3. Allcock and the Managing Director of Atlantic Global , Eugene Blaine . First into the firing line was Mark , presenting " Adeo Future Directions " . His objective , to provide
  4. Dunsire went out under very heavy fire and rescued a wounded man from between the firing lines . Later another man , considerably nearer the German lines , it was heard shouting
  5. Income stream Switching could slash MPPI costs Take cover ! Mortgages may be in the firing line ; TAKE COVER FROM SHOCKS IN THE FUTURE Taking cover Thinking ahead can soften the

Step 1: Select the definition of firing line which occurs most of the times in the above examples. Ignore other definitions.

Definition1 Definition2

Note: Please select the answers below carefully based on the definition which occurs frequently in the examples

Step 3: score of 0-5 for how literal is the use of "line" in the phrase "firing line"
0 1 2 3 4 5

Please provide any comments in case you want to tell us about your judgement or any other queries/suggestions! Not Mandatory but helpful.