The main thing that solidly prevents the suggestions in this thread from being implemented (now and in the past) is a lack of models. I'd be happy to give more armor variation and Hero-locked armors to the various archers if there were sufficient models to do so. The bows would require some more discussion and planning, but given the overall lack of models I don't see it happening, as taking away the generic T4 archer bows and locking them to specific heroes is not currently something we want to do and having the different heroes have specific bows is also questionable. Commando Hero classes don't all get special 1h or 2h weapons, Pikeman Hero classes do not each get special polearms or throwing, and Sharpshooter Hero classes do not each get special crossbows. They each get special items of a certain type that fits their class's theme. I'd like for archers to fit this trend.