BG2 is absolutely loaded with broken exploits and implementations (i.e. simulacrums cloning items, infinite damage via reflecting Lightning Bolts or Agannazar's Scorcher, staff of the magi's equip-invisibility). Because the "game world" had no object interactivity, there's no physics engine, etc, most exploits are at least attached to a "class or item ability", so that's why people find it easier to stomach?
Yeah, I think maybe it's because I've played so many mages in the original games, but to me a lot of similarities are there between BG1/2 and 3. Although I'd say the ping-pong lightning bolt was an example of an environmental interaction in BG1 (since you needed something to bounce it off 😁), overpowered as it was.
