I guess we didn't play the same game.
In my game exploitation is practically a central game mechanic.
There's lists of exploits already but the one where you surround the enemies with barrels/crates before combat generally suffices :P
This was the case in DOS classic and EE as well. I really hope they change this; stealth, barrels, stealth grenades, Far Out Man cheese, high ground abuse, it's all too prevalent, like you say. But, like someone else suggested in another thread, I think it would be pretty cool if these were not eliminated, but given to the enemy to be used against us. Imagine walking into a room, and starting a conversation, then as soon as you press end, a flashbang comes out of nowhere and blinds you! Or, as you are approaching a distant encounter, shots start raining down from a crazy distance, chipping away at you a couple of times before combat starts. Or if enemies actually used barrels. Or had stealth of their own. May not be fun, except in tactician mode, but boy oh boy would I like to see it happen =D
