Quote Originally Posted by Puzz3D
Then you have come up with a way to position the archers so that they can shoot at units that are cost effective targets. Presumably, this possibility would arise during the attack assuming there are targets that you can shoot at long enough to inflict cost effective casualties.
That's it. Sometimes an inminent engagement threat is enough to make your enemy deploy their ranged units safe in a second line. Then, aiming at any good bulk of enemy units gives you the chance to get fast kills, from a second line where xbows and arquebusiers perform poorly.

Zone attack, plus a higher shoot angle and fast reload gives an advantage that nor xbows neither gunpowder can give.

Do you remember some good players using those turkish armies in MTW/VI full of archers? Pavise crossbowmen were useless vs them.

It's a matter of perspective. If you have invested a lot of money in expensive crossbows which only skill is ranged attack, you will be interested in avoid any kind of engagement before your units run out of ammo. If your enemy has those units and you haven't, then it's clear what benefits you and what doesn't.

I'm only interested in a missile duel if I can get some profit from it. If not, then it's pointless. And I'm not a rusher.

And please, don't think in the damn grassy flatland. There are thousands of maps out there.

Regards.