No melee char could catch archers before. Even when they have 6-7 athletics, they'd have to wear light armor and hope they can dodge well.
Shields made char too slow and were easily shot around.
So, the only counter was cav, ranged, or dead end alleys.
The ability to do damage withought the threat of incoming damage is a huge advantage. This is why so many nerfs and rebalances are in place against such weapons.
Xbow reload and damage
Thrower accuracy and ammo
Archer everything
Pike unbalanced and weight
.......
Notice the trend?