I've started using a crossbow for the specific point of taking out those pesky archers standing on the roof or trying to kite me for a year. I'll never be able to 1-shot anyone who isn't a peasant unless I get rid of my main weapon/shield, and the reload takes some serious time when you're forced to stand still. Throwing just isn't as viable since it takes points and can be quite inaccurate. It takes 3 slots to use a heavy crossbow for the good damage. Should just pick an arbalest and 1 shot people along with a mace, but that sounds just like an archer really.
With all the archer rant going on it was inevitable for people to go anti-archer, and then realize the ranged weapon they brought along is useful in more situations.