I think that all range bonus should be abolished exept for towers and outposts. towers have just been replaced by barracks when it comes to seiging and i think it almost defeats the purpose of keeping seige units out of towers to begin with.

Not really - barracks are too expensive to build just to get a point extra range, and it balances the catapult's offensive danger somewhat - you can station catapults in your barracks and use it to defend against other catapults very successfully.

For 7500 gold, you ought to get a bonus like this to help you protect the investment.

I would have to agree. I haven't seen too many people building a barracks for seige. In fact they normally build futher back for fear of losing them.

The pirate Crimsondawn, does not fear anything

I dont see a problem with barracks with a 1+ for cats as its always a risk to loose that 7.5k and your cats.
If you are willing to take the gamble close up, good on you if you get away with your opponents inexperience....it will be a valuble lesson for him/her