Yeah SCS removes many of the exploits. And Ascension is really a "semi official" mod made by the game designer that include elements that were removed from the final game -- ToB is sooo much harder with Ascension installed. (but ToB just isn't as fun as BG2)
I never used skull trap because I was always playing a good character who had a problem with grabbing a skull an making it into a trap. Same goes for skeletal warriors.
There are other ways to destroy combat but most people either avoid them or use a mode that prevents them form using them. And some use them and have fun doing so. There isn't a battle in BG2 that requires cheese.
