The focus of this thread seems a bit strange. The problem isn't so much exploits as it is under-modelled missiles/radar. No one needs to purposefully exploit these missiles. Everything in that movie is a real defensive tactic. Chaffing, high-G maneuvers, beaming, etc., cannot be considered exploits. Doing so puts blame on pilots when the blame is really with the code.
While NOE is a real tactic, as far as LO:FC goes, it may be considered an exploit. But again the problem is with the coding.
It took me quite a while let go of the memories of when Lock On was actually enjoyable to fly. Hearing things similar to "Lock On is great but the missiles are horrible" makes me think that others are having the same trouble facing the reality of 1.12a/b. For a BVR pilot, Lock On is not great. In fact, for a BVR pilot, Lock On sucks badly. It was great fun in the past but now it is an exercise in frustration. It used to be that spamming missiles was frowned upon as a noob move. Now spamming is SOP because of the high likelihood of a missile fired from an excellent position will simply not hit its target. Who needs that?
I, for one, will not consider another ED product because of their actions regarding Lock On. And it is damn shame because at one time, it was the best sim I've ever played, with the potential to become even better. But the sad truth is that ED has ruined it and left it for dead. And abandoned its customers in the process.