First things first: please give a respec to my heavy xbow user, ISIS_WIFEY. I can't even test the new stats due to increased requirement.
Second, my archer is 18/27, 6PD, 198WPF. I can't say for sure how much the patch changed my build because I JUST got +3 bodkins. I've been using +3 tatar arrows for like 2.5 years. My 6PD rus bow changed into 4PD, but I don't think that is too much of an issue. I'm not above the PD cap. If I was str archer with 9+ PD I would be very mad.
My aim reticule is still very tight, although I can't "hold the shot" as long as before. I think this is due to the PD change, since the +3 rokusan yumi (still 6PD req) I picked up during battle still held accuracy for a long time while I aimed. The increased arrow speed makes it much easier to land a shot in close to medium range, even when the target is actively trying to dodge your shot. Long range is very hard for me... I think I just need to "re-learn" my archery to adjust for the completely different arrow trajectories now.
Also I'm getting
an absolute shitload of points on my archer now. I'm not getting more kills than before, just points and valor all over the place. Is it possible that the new bow stats had an effect on the ranged scoring system?
Lower ranking xbows have been ruined
Other people are saying they have better accuracy at lower WPF, with a higher "max" accuracy. I don't know if the extended trigger release time was on purpose or just due to decreasing overall speed for longer reload time, but it took me a long time to get used to that when I started using an arbalest way back in the day.
Crossbows and bows have been completely re-done. This is not a small stat adjustment.
If these changes stay, I think that all ranged players should get a free heirloom exchange. A +3 item takes a long time to make. A respec helps you test out the new stats on your bow or crossbow, but it is no longer the weapon you spent those loom points on.Overall I think it's cool that this was all reworked. It will take time for everyone to adjust to it, even after people get their respecs and loom up the new bow that they want. There's going to be a lot of whining and tears on the way there though. Players are set in their ways after years of only minor changes to ranged.
edit:To everyone that was bitching about archery accuracy after patch:
People on EU1 refused to believe I had a tight reticule.