Yes to OP's idea, but buff archery, crossbow and throwing damage by 50%. Witness the return of the shieldwall. If need be remove bodkins with their +pierce, but increase damage so that unarmoured people are instakilled by a longbow in the chest, and lightly armoured also if agibuild/no IF.
Arbalest oneshot everything up to and including mail in the chest. You know, like the old days. Then add weight to all these ranged whatsits so you drop them if you intend to run away.