And how would tweaking that reduce their damage output compared to archers?
A longbow deals 26 pierce damage, powerdraw only adds above the requirement, most archers go for 6 or 7, that would mean crossbows can definatly be tweaked.
Well let me explain:
PD = 14% damage increase per level
Longbow at 6 PD (+84% damage) = 47.84 damage
Longbow at 7 PD (+98% damage) = 51.48 damage
Crossbow = 54 damage (no ability to increase)
Arbalest = 81 damage (no ability to increase)
Bows fire
significantly faster than crossbows and xbows cannot be fired on the move. The only way to bring the two "in line" in the manner you're speaking would be to make them clones of each other. To compensate for much of any loss in damage you'd have to raise the speed significantly for a crossbow, but you'd know that if you did the math instead of simply saying "but bows say 26 damage and i don't have a calculator!".
Jesus i wish more people took 2 seconds to figure out mechanics before throwing their 2 cents in on how to balance weapons and items they rarely use.
Bow: Assault Rifle
Xbow: Sniper rifle
Simple and leave them alone because the only people calling for nerfs are people who continuously show they have little idea what they are talking about.