i wouldnt say laziness...design some of the arguably biggest games, push the power of consoles with every edition and u realize u have to make cuts. i mean look at the bugs in this game, or the cutting of items at least...khajit and argonian tails, long hair thru armor, sowrds thru cape outfits. now imaagine the "bowlegged" walking of Argonians from morrowwind and seeing their legs cutting thru straight legged armor, (and this is prob a problem they had during oblivion and the striaght bipedal of all races just continued to skyrim) so i wouldnt say lazy, id say prioritize whats important and what to spend time on. i mean even since oblivion the designs are so much better i COULDNT play khajit or argonian in oblivion. but in skyrim my first character to get to endgame was a khajit.

i do have to point out one matter that hasnt been touched on i believe, load vs. reload, meaning to fire bow, u must draw bow, nock arrow, aim fire...with crossbow, draw, aim, fire... as far as first strike the crossbow has  it and against surprise or fast moving enemies that can b the difference

haha, i actually dont use followers when i be an archer, more than once have i actually killed Lydia in the narrow depths, they get in the way. also as an archer i HATE the dawnguard questline and serena staying on my ass

i was so excited to get crossbows i waited unpatiently till dawnguards release and all summer every archer build, which was most went for a crossbow as soon as able. i love it....but with the fantasy setting/lore and idk the bow just feels more in tune with the game

love archer!!! obvi best skills that complement are alchemy, poison potions, and paralysis are great i acually put poison on hot key, so u dont have to pause game. and again sneak and first strike are great. and best shouts are whirlwind to escape quick and become etheral.