The problem with the nerf hammer is that it DOESN'T work. In order to achieve balance, there must be some sort of exchange. This problem existed in RO too with the Hunter job for a while (imagine that), but ironed itself out as the game progressed (now it's kind of on the other spectrum of the new Archer job not being so hot). Instead of being near-sighted with the "answer", there is a need to be more constructive. For example, slow down the skill progression at higher ranks while the closer range jobs experience normal skill growth to grind down the modifiers comparatively into a comfortable level. There is no reason to punish Archer players to create "balance", by making them weaker than close-range jobs.