Cool well thought out post/argument. If you really wanna go another extra mile, you should combine throwers into the mix. I realize they're a different breed, but they fire faster than archers, they do more damage, and they have 0 accuracy bloom.
Personally, I think archers need a buff in the sense that it's REALLY hard and REALLY inaccurate to use a bow compared to xbow/throwing. Also bows do shit damage vs plate unless you're using a longbow. To the question is : Why be an archer? I found that out, and am looming an arbalest for my next char.