I think there should be different sizes of maps to choose from as @CleanNotClear mentioned.
In AOE2 there are much bigger maps than in AOE4. This makes it possible to mod entire continents (Europe for example) and other interesting mods such as Games of Thrones.
Therefore I think it should not be the goal to ban large maps. Instead there should be more options to choose from. From tiny to gigantic. That way all players are catered for.
In older AOE4 forum posts there were many players who didn’t want smaller maps. Actually many of them wanted bigger maps like in AOE2. Here are the links to some of the said forum posts:
- Maps are too big - #4 by Spyken1
- I REALLY hope AOE4 gets a luducrius map size to make amazing Real world maps (not like aoe3...) - #6 by WindHighland
- Devs...PLEASE do not let us Real world map makers out of the game!
My conclusion: If the maps are made smaller, one part of the players is happy and the other unhappy. Therefore everyone should have the choice to play maps ranging in size from tiny to gigantic.