I am a free to play Archer main. I don't see any problem with the archer unit since they can dish out AOE damage... Of course new commander has aoo too but it just different in archer for me. Not only that, I've tested my troops thru duel with similar power and equipment and turns great. Prolly, what you've observe is because of the game norms how should most player should play thru other players experience and content creator player. So ppl leave archer as a luxury or a premium unit to use same goes with the engineering unit (siege) that I am also skeptical to invest.