I have a solution to the ranged "problem" that doesn't require any nerfs:
-Allow any player to pick up/equip any shield, with a penalty to shield stats based on shield skill vs. requirement
-Make shield skill reduce effective weight of shields (~1kg per shield skill), so dedicated shielders can actually catch kiting ranged
-Buff bastard weapons (longsword, HBS/BS/Morningstar/etc) so they aren't so terrible in 1h mode
Historically, shields were the defense against archery, so this game should be the same way.