They could split off of archer with a Hunter/Ranger class, utilizing traps and possibly pets. Maybe swap out some of Bard's current attacks with some more magical-based attacks. Hunter/Ranger can be a split between melee and ranged attacks, having a bow/dagger while brd has their bow/harp. I think it can work out, but will it happen? Probably not. But it's fun to speculate these kinds of things.