Native is very solo friendly from my perspective. Yes, there are archers. But most of the time reason for domination is bad combination of factions and maps. Some maps are a bitch to conquer, and if there is strong ranged faction then it becomes impossible. Better players being on one side plays a huge role. But it is random and doesn't happen that much.
Unlike cRPG, where banner balance is always on and community works in a way where best players form huge clans (like the clan you're member of, Vanguards). Over time, cRPG has become less and less solo friendly which had effect on player numbers.
Better players tend to be better at archery too. I'll take 10 native machinegunners any time of the day, instead of 10 cRPG archers which come from a strong clan and hardly miss their shots.
Teeth, you were just unlucky. Nothing more. Native is no way less fun to play for a solo player than cRPG.