Xbow has higher requirements than it used to, but it is still more viable as a hybrid class than archer. No PD skill points to invest, and WPF doesn't increase damage so splitting WPF doesn't gimp you as much. My current (level 30) xbow gen is:
12 Strength
27 Agility
4 Power Strike
1 Ironflesh
9 Athletics
9 Weapons Master
115 1H
170 Crossbow
I use the regular xbow. Arbalest at 18 strength limits your build beyond crossbow skills, but heavy xbow and regular xbow allow a lot of melee hybridization. I could have gone 12/24 with plenty of points to use in IF and shield. I prefer a little extra wpf and lots of movespeed so you can seek cover to reload. A regular crossbow will never have the long-range accuracy a bow can achieve, but you are trading that for melee skills. No matter your build you will always face melee eventually so I feel that the dip into those skills helps you a lot. You can also grab decent armor and 1H weapons if you have a crossbow instead of an arbalest. Lower repair cost is a great perk.
