I like the crossbow.
Nothing beats riding in full gallop together with 15 other knights, and towards a similar group and just before the clash I shoot my 1! arrow at full speed into someones throat, then pull out my big axe or sword and crash into the enemy killing em left and right.
Crossbow has sniper style for me
, bow feels more like a machinegun or a shotgun ... sorry if you consider comparison inapropriate.
With the crossbow I can bide my shot until its not only effective, but looks stylish too, and I have to switch back to close combat weapons in close combat. You don't have to do it with a bow if you have high athletics and powerdraw.
Bow seems to be almost overpowered at some level, my brother can kill swathes of enemies with his bowman alone with his bow ... in close combat! Dont even ask about the ones that have no shild or worse ... ride on horseback. He looks like a stationary machine gun post when he plays M&B.
Me, I like giving come cross bows to Marnid, Borcha and myself and kick some ass - with less effectiveness, but more style.