I think order 66 is a huge exploit, and I see it isn't patched in 1.7 (beta). It's definitely not working as intended. I feel dirty every time I use it.

I don't see the rationale for paratroopers - they are essentially working as intended by the devs. As long as they can't improve the AI to deal with it, I'd say it's fair game.

Could create a category for speedruns without exploits. But all Paradox games are essentially open to exploits, and you're opening Pandora's box if you begin banning particular strategies using particular exploits. I predict countless arguments about what constitutes an exploit and what does not.

I don't care that much - ultimately if the rules are clear I'm happy to try to play by them. I think the rules are fine as they are now, and ultimately we should troll Paradox until they fix the game. That's just my 2 cents.