Yep, faking charges with cav is often enough to disrupt enemy missile firing. I can sometimes mess up their skirmishers at the very start with a quick charge of my cav units.

Casualties are quite low from enemy fire when I'm in loose anyways. Smashing their melee troops (who are always in tight) is more important. Later, my troops can sweep aside their depleted melee force and any remaining skirmishers with ease.