They really are pretty much the same when used as prepositions. Like you say, that's when a noun or noun phrase follows them. (The -ing form of the verb in this case acts like a noun). I like all vegetables except carrots. I like all vegetables except for carrots. I like all sports except skiing. HOWEVER When you use 'except' as a conjunction, you can't replace it with 'except for'. All the vases look the same, except (that) one of them is cracked. (Here you CANNOT use 'except for').

I Want All Flavors Except This. I Want All Flavors Except For This One.