i vote to add tactical nukes, will completely settle the OP archers issue...........my 2c....
as for bdodigs post.....
Im pretty sure the armor Im wearing weighed less if not the same as what they wore back then, your high if you are going to tell me people of the body type / build of that period could run "preeety fast" with armor on.....
Im a recon scout and in better shape than 90% of soldiers and I can tell you theres very few people who can run fast in kit for more than 100m and then not be spent. So i dont buy that little dudes of that time period were ninja sprinting around in kit with all the crap they used to carry and wear....
of course i agree with you on the whole un-likely tactic of trying to "kite" infantry units around historically....i didnt read every page of the thread but I hopse someone wasnt suggesting that is why Archers didnt use heavier armor.....im sure it was more of an issue of
1. Cost - Scale+ qual. armor had to cost a pretty penny to make in large quantity..
2. Use - If you were going to field that kind of armor to your unit, would you rather give it to your infantry that is going to be in direct contact for certain, or your Archers which if the battle goes proper, will at most only see Counter-Fire......
my 2c.....again