Hi, I’m playing an Archer and I found the post really interesting. I think it’s so useful, ‘cause I’m with the discussion on many points. Btw, IMHO, “ranged” it simply means a class whose action has effects and consequences in a range of pool. So depending by the class, implying different distances and similar: it should be considered specifically for e.g. a slayer, healer and so on. Now, speaking of archers, You should ask what is their right range: even “historically”, archers were born and were “used” to be operative and effective at a long distance and covering a wide area.

Both in civil times (for hunting: shot to a prey from a close distance with a bow is not a good idea - not enough distance to give the arrow its penetrating and mortal strength -; and ofc, the prey could have spotted human presence); and both during war times: just think of the use of roster of archers in battle fields, to give huge coverage attack against enemy troops before they approach allied lines. Archers were used as “artillery”, and artillery is a tactical “weapon” operating from back and distance with powerful final impact: the more the long range and distance, the more big the final strength of its action (not the precision maybe, just the efficacy). So in conclusion, idk if this balance among playable classes in Tera was good or not, but sure it can’t be said archers weren’t a bit reduced in their natural role and possibilities, in their "nature". For sure, it’s a pain in the neck to me when I’m forced to stay close to bosses with an usual low defence and low armor protection archers have, and with just one evading/i-framing skill (Backstep), or two (if we want to look at Breakaway Bolt as it): if I can't take any considerable advantage from arrows from distance, better playing melee ( sometimes it's so frustrating the archer as designed actually in Tera).