XBOW or PIKE?

[Kwal]

I wouldn't say the Skirmisher is useless on Normal Mode, I got a long way with them as my teammates without using a shieldwall. Just don't expect to be a tank and use the Commandos and Sergeants as your shields while taking down their enemies. It's useful to have a lengthy weapon as long as you manage to keep enough distance, which is quite possible with high athletics skill.