I don't know when you played shielder, but it must have been a long time ago. Too long ago. I've played all the maps on EU2, multiple times, so I know most of the spots ranged prefer. So, just my experience probably makes me more aware of archers than most. I'd very much like to know though how you managed to be aware of archers hiding behind every structure on EU2 while still being effective in combat? I think I know the answer to that, but unfortunately for me I don't have a bunch of Druzhina minions covering my back at all times, so I have to do most of the hard work myself.
Oh, wait... so you were actually complaining about archers being too strong on EU2?
Well... While DRZ and some other archers are really good at shooting, I don't see how ranged in general could be a big problem on siege for even a non-shielder class, so, yeah, mad cuz bad, nothing to add here.
I want there to be some sort of balance in regard to ranged classes. I don't mind them being able to kill me from a distance, while I'm approaching them. What I do mind is when after all that painfull approach, the archers pulls back his bow, performs a chernobyl-child dance around me, circumventing the shield, and kills me from a distance where ever my 1h would glance. Or my favorite - archer drops bow and arrows, pulls out his scottish sword and now I'm suddenly facing an agile and maneuverable inf that can control the distance of the fight and can deal the same amount of damage as me. Where is this balance you people speak of?
Both are easily counterable. First - by actually paying attention and facing the archer, second - by, well, being decend at fighting.
What you consider as good "balance" you wish for, is, probably, the Freeoniz's movie scenario.