The kill probability of the Microcell unguided rockets was proportional to firing distance, hence the need to get as close as you could without self harm.
One option considered for the Lightning F3 F6, but not used, was to use auto attack (autopilot coupled guidance from the AI radar / computer) to achieve a close range firing from a 90 deg intercept course (500 yds??). This was necessary for high speed or supersonic targets.
A problem was that with the nose doors open the aircraft directional stability was reduced, critical when supersonic, even for the brief firing time before auto closure. An unattributed cause for the loss of a T5 test aircraft was a simulated supersonic rocket attack which involved a rapid roll away to miss the target / debris. The rapid roll occurred with the doors open thus with reduced stability the aircraft suffered roll coupling which broke the fin (test pilot J Squire?); its likely that the doors had remained open after firing; auto system failure.
There is also an attention getting nose camera recording of a live firing of a full rocket pack where one rouge 'twirling' missile returns just over the aircraft's nose (video last seen at MPC circa 1973).
Firestreak / Red Top much more reliable, but then there was the gun with a bit of deflection shooting!