Most people use crossbows at the front as they shoot straight (better when shooting straight) nad most of the Italian factons have paivse (sp) corssbow militia, they have shelds as well, it means they do great damage and take little losses from enemy missile fire. also you can normaly get your archers back behind your lines when the charge comes...

lately i have been using upgraded pikes in a long thin line in guard mode, with muskets in a long thin line in their spears also in guard mode, with heavy inf and cav on the sides, arty at the back. it means that in a charge your muskets, or any missile troops can stand there ground and keep shooting. it has been really effective against the mongols (seiges) or other cav heavy armies.