I partially disagree...
Yes, archers are good, but let's consider the following situation.
I take a Phoenix, even just one, and go first. I cast the Haste spell on everyone (with an Air Mage, and if there are also speed artifacts, that's even better) and fly right up to the archers, but attack other units (I wouldn't recommend flying up to Medusas or those who attack in melee without a penalty). And I'd like to see what the archers can do then...
In short, for every problem, there's a solution. Everyone has their own battle tactics...