Ranged wanting other ranged nerfed is part of the reason ALL ranged is underpowered. Threads like these are the reason that both xbows and archery got nerfed this patch, they're the reason they'll both be nerfed next patch, and after they're made worthless (like throwing was) they'll finally be given some love by making them viable but still underpowered. And then they'll be nerfed again. Congratulations, you gave every 2h and polearm whiner another thread to point to when their 20 kill streak is ruined by some ranged sissy.
The bow vs xbow comparison is bad because the bow shoots over twice as fast. It's like someone with an assault rifle complaining that the sniper rifle does more damage and has better range, while completely ignoring every other advantage. Threads like these almost make me want to stop arguing against archery nerfs.
There are far more archers than there are xbowers, and they get far better scores. Why? Because they have far better dps. You act like 18 vs 8 isn't a big deal. Do you even realize how much time that is hiding behind a wall, not helping your team in the slightest, not getting kills at all? Headshots are what gets ranged consistent kills. 18 shots is 18 possible headshots, 18 kills. 8 shots is 8 kills at best. Two ranged with equal skill, one archer and one xbow, the archer will always come out ahead. Archery should be buffed but it has nothing to do with crossbows. And at least archers don't have to leave and find a new server every time it rains.
Here's a comparison I'm far more interested in. I made a skip the fun polearm character after the recent patch. I've played it for 2 days. It's been a real eye-opener. For the first time ever I got first place in a match with over 40 players, and then did it a few more times. 40 kills, 9 deaths, 35:5, 28:6, putting in very little effort. 5 generations with an xbow and I like to think I'm pretty damn good with it, but I did better half-assing it as a polearm spammer with 2 days of casual experience. Oh, and less than 1/4th of the repair cost of my main. I'm scared to see how much better I'll do when I can actually afford some decent armor.