Hi B2,
You are correct - this behaviour has changed, however IMO this actually makes it more consistent with apply-groups, which interface-range looks to be based on.
If you're using interface-range with large port counts (eg: a virtual chassis), make sure you aren't using member-range, but instead have every relevant port configured as an independent member. This way you can remove individual members from the interface-range.
Use wildcard range set when you're configuring them and it will be nice and easy to set up (even if you need to convert from member-range).
Then if you need to put in exceptions, you can just delete the port from the interface-range (individually) and then configure the interface however you need it.
Hope this helps