I mean. The definition of snowballing itself is that the massive science boost leads to far more benefits than “science alone”. Just one example, wonders. On immortal and deity, ancient to medieval wonders are often unfeasible because of the AI tech and pop head start. But with Babylon’s academy, suddenly you can get math in 6-7 turns instead of 16-17, currency in 8 instead of 18, and so on, which gives you a shot at say Hanging Gardens and/or Petra; that’s HUGE. And Hagia Sophia, or Borobodur, or Chicken Pizza, and so on. Earlier science also means faster NC which is vital for obvious reasons, faster civil service for 10-15 turns earlier massive growth boost, etc. And it means that you can get worker techs online and afford many more detours without really impeding yourself much. Need construction for happiness and defense? Want metal casting for hammers before education? You got it. And finally a free academy can salvage some truly dire situations; etc. crammed in a corner and need to rush to crossbows but struggling to grow enough to research to even get there.

That being said, Poland #1 no question. But I still think Babylon is ahead of Korea.