Its not good way to nerf weapons or classes.
1) Players select a class from c-rpg.net (2h, archer, shielder, cav,...) (not auto select!)
2) Every player can select a class but all player can play "melee" class default. Example i select archer and i must can play like melee. (and players can pick up on map any weapon for realism)
3) Classes are limted from game balance system. Example, 10 archer max for 100 players per team. Players can select class and if player can see "archer" class, select archer but if player don't see "archer", player have to select "melee" class. and classes are separate with colors. example cav classes are blue etc.
4) Balance Stage: This is need 1 or 2 month. Devs try to "9 archer, 10 cav, 50 inf,..." or "15 archer, 4 ha, 8 cav,...". Can find best balance this way.
I'm an archer and i know we are ruined this game some times. But your balance system is really bad, try this balance system.
(Sorry for English)