I didn't tech to archers till about turn 30 and used velitites exclusively as my ranged unit. Some may think this stupid, but really in the first 30 turns or so, I only saw one or two archer unit's in the gaul and Darcia (sp?) forces. I relied on my Hastati to keep them from being overrun....Throw a couple javalans behind the safety of the Infantry, then I would flank them around the side or back. Yes, they are skirmishers, but they are quite effective as a flanking unit as well.

PS...Dogs rule.