Back to the main post :
I clearly understand why xbow's heirlooms give so much damage (no benefit from anywhere else), and i agree with it.
BUT, cause there is a but, i don't understand why their other stats got so much benefits.
Let's compare it with the heirloomed bow (wich are REALLY interesting also) : (all stats BUT damage will be compared)
Heavy Crossbow (Masterwork)
Accuracy : 94 (97) => +3 (+3,2%)
Speed rating : 23 (26) => +3 (+13%)
Missile speed : 56 (60) => +4 (+7,1%)
Strong bow (Masterwork)
Accuracy : 97 (99) => +2 (+2,06%)
Speed rating : 63 (65) => +2 (+3,17%)
Missile speed : 51 (54) => +3 (+5,9%)
So... hum... basically, normal crossbows are balanced because they take lots of time to reload, compared to bows. But thoses heirloomed crossbows are 13% faster. o_O
Also, it's always possible to dodge arrows even at close distance, whereas it's close to impossible for crossbows. So why give heirloom crossbows so much better missile speed, speed rating and accuracy ?
I understand for damage, because wpf doesn't give any profits from it, but what about accuracy and reload time ? And may i remind people, that for bows, the more PD you have the less accuracy gained from wpf you have.
I really feel like masterwork xbows got the stats of a 4 times heirloomed (except for damage, wich is... fine.)
PS: I don't have longbow nor Arbalest, and didn't want to buy them just for a post who will be seen by may 40 people, 30 of them actually caring about balance, and 1 of them (hopefully) having a vote in it. So i don't know for other bow/xbows.