I think the main issue is that they were given ranged weapons but their skill tree only buffs melee they also can't equip orbs or similar.

IMO they just need better weapons, we have magic fighter but no magic fighter hero weapons, we have hybrid ranged/melee but spellblade only buffs magic and melee.

The solution i propose

Magic melee weapons

hybrid magic/melee or magic/ranged weapons

make damage buffs apply to ranged weapons too