[gruundehn]

OK, I will (again) start with Earth history. Rapiers developed when muskets and similar rendered armor less useful. Prior to that, sharp, pointy weapons for melee were spears and daggers. A swung sword is just too good for dealing damage. So, where did your rapiers come from, and who taught you to use them? It sounds like your GM had an idea and did not really consider the implications of the technology. Not that doing so is common, a lot of writers and RPGers don't.

As far as the situation as described, I say to avoid the fight. If you get ambushed, run away and find another way to get where you are going. Eventually, your GM will get the hint and change the situations so that it is more fun for you players.

Or, charge. Not only do you increase the odds of not getting hit, by moving faster, you get to where the archers are faster thereby reducing the number of arrows fired at you. You don't have to reach the archers to make them stop firing, just be close enough so that you will be in melee the next round or two. The archers will either flee or have to change weapons.