I actually prefer using whole hop flowers, because they help to filter the trub, I have a slotted copper pickup pipe and the whole hops make a great additional filter - I'd use them all the time if I could.Oh, no one has mentioned using full flowers!
If I was using flowers, I would use my hop sock or my kettle falsie with out doubt...
Flowers: Nothing a whirlpool can do about them IMO, they are gonna block your tap, unless you sock or false bottom...