Role of archers in low-tech parties?

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth

Valid military tactic is not the point. PC tactics are not the same as military tactics, and the weapon, not the (non) tactic is what's in question.

I'm not saying bows could be effective weapons for shooting at individual men, but your argument here would apply just as well to jousts as a proof of the uselessness of lances.

For the matter of that real tactics are not the same as optimal tactics.

One must not assume victory is a warriors highest priority. In point of fact a samurai has little interest in his Daimyo's political status. His cause is samurainess.