Exactly behaviour might be unintended, but it did not take player manipulate anything to force it (fly back and force in a game about flying is not unusual), hence it was poor game design, which is not considered an exploit in the wider games industry. And NO a link from Wiki that anyone can update is not confirmation. Otherwise give me 5 mins and I'll make it say anything you like.
Yes it is if it is unintended behavouir, a bug in the system. Hence the reason why it was removed. The main issue with ED is that it is so big that it is virtually impossible for them to test everything. It is nothing to do with poor game design.
You seem to have no idea what is considered an exploit in the wider games industry. Looks like a stereotypical exploit.