I don't recall having to take more than 2-3 shots to kill higher tier mail and lower plate with a +3 Heavy Crossbow and +3 Steel bolts. If you really feel like it takes 14 seconds to reload your arbalest (it doesn't) then swap it for a +3 heavy crossbow, if you can find one. With 150+ wpf, they reload faster than a +0 crossbow and ~100 wpf.
I haven't played arbalest sniper in a few months, but I don't recall xbows being nerfed or buffed in any of the recent patches. It takes around 5 seconds to reload an arbalest with 150 or more wpf, and if you are persistent you will kill anyone that isn't 33/3 with full plate in 3 or less shots. Your kills won't go up, but each shot you land on ANY enemy is helping your team. Softening targets up for your teamates is a big help, especially if it's a 2H hero that would shrug off 7 or 8 swings in melee.
Also you can start moving during the reload animation the second your hand touches your forehead. As long as you keep holding down the reload button, you can complete the rest of it while walking.