Well tbh I played plenty of siege maps where attacker team didnt bring any ladders and it was so hard to take the flag usually.
You could argue that because no1 brought ladders it showed lack of teamplay and then of course attackers will lose but thats just not true imo.
Some maps are so assholey for attackers that they need ladders to have a chance (and for attackers to use those same ladders, which is never guaranteed).
The main problem defenders have is whether ppl bother to defend the flag or not. Defence can be made really easy on some maps with use of construction materials, even just 1 per doorway can really slow attackers down.
Defenders became really bad recently for some reason. You cant just blame it on ladders as they've been around for quite a long time. I know I bitch about being on defence 90% of the time (true by the way!) but thats because when im on a x1 i'd rather be on the attacking team where I can DO something about it rather than sit at the flag, waiting for the inevitable 10 guys to rush me while I impotently type "FLAG" in team chat.
With a good team, defenders have a good chance.
With the exception of a crap defender team, attackers only ususally win in the last 1-2 mins, after they've made headway breaking down walls/opening gates etc. I know (as a 90% defender player) that to die in the last minute is the worst possible time because thats when flag needs you most, usually.
This is all with ladders implimented. Without ladders, there's only a few limited ways for attackers to get into castles and can you imagine the pain when defenders realise this and take more great mauls? It will be like when Fallen attacked Ichamur in Strat 1 under my command all over again!