So as I started the game I found siege to be incredibly annoying. What I’ve learned is its more my own fault for not learning to adapt.
I feel Siege is close to where it needs to be and has to be seriously considered before maxing out population if there are stonewalls.
The right siege unit composition is hard to do properly while balancing eco and advancing through the ages.
This said maps where siege tend to get out of control a long with walls is indication a different strategy is needed to win the map. Its why Wonders and Sacred sites are put on maps.