I would highly suggest reading through this thread to its entirety.
https://www.project1999.com/forums/s...d.php?t=374659
And no it isn't all about PvP archery it applies to blue too. But not much because the low damage still isn't worth it.
In essence, it is the delay on the main hand weapon.
and Weighted Ax on Troll or Ogre or Barbarian - warrior will give you the exaggerated damage change you are experiencing.
The best you can try for is the Earthshaker as a ranger.
Luclin release date was December 4, 2001
And the indication from the posts is archery damage output on live, even before Luclin - was still not worth it...... BUT was a lot more than currently on P99.
https://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/...2&p=2#comments
P99 devs are aware of the issue and will probably fix it all servers for the red community. But you can bet the numbers seen in those posts on Allakazam won't be seen on P99... and I can't blame the Devs for not dwelling this.
Why work on something that was never really applicable until Luclin.