Just hit 18 with my Archery/Dev blaster. While I started the toon with the feeling that I was well and truely gimped, my opinion has changed. Now that I'm slotted I find the damage OK (just OK). I don't mind the long animations too much. The only non-bug complaint I have is the heavy endurance use. Bug wise there are ALOT of issues. The stange pose you strike when switching from a device to the bow, the odd arrow comes from over the shoulder bug, the wild arrows flying everywhere with fistfull o'arrows, and the Ranged Shot bug. At 18 my current verdict is that archery is SLIGHTLY gimped because of end use and animation times. However, the set can still be played and enjoyed, and when slotted perfectly and supported with a well slotted secondary, and with good pool power selections the set does hold its own.
--Secondary selection for archery is paramount. Theme-wise I stuck with /dev. While its works because of web grenade, caltops and Targeting drone. (the extra damage slot you can give your attacks, due to targeting drone, KINDA makes up for no build-up) However, I've tried all the other secondaries. The non-devices help alot in other ways. The pseudo-control of ice saved me from some damage. Electric and Energy allowed me to be more bold due do the (very real) additional damage, its these two that really make an archer feel un-gimped and as powerful as the others. Fire was just kinda there, didn't hinder but wasn't as boosting as the others. If not tied down by theme the way I am, energy would be what I would suggest. It allows you to lay off the super end-hog that Aimed shot is, sometimes using energy punch instead. ScionofSatan covered electric perfectly above so i won't go into it here.
--one big plus is the quiet nature of the set, my main is a super strength tank, the gentle "thup" is a nice change of pace over the normal (but very cool) sound effects.
--I've been an archer IRL for about 20 years now, and I'm pleased, thematicly. I DO like the look of the bow, and am fine with the Storm Giant arrow it fires. I've always dreamt of the ability to choose different weapon visuals for each weapon based set. Its a minor, minor thing, but the bow would be a nice set for this, some wanted fancy modern compounds, others like the recuve and even others out there would love to have a longbow or even asian horsebow, or Japanese Yuri.
OK...rambled a little here, sorry.