Right. Well str/dex combo stat, minus on the defense stats, movement + atk = -dmg and hit goes against the opponents speed stat in a decent fomula. If you can't shoot with a bow irl you will be screwed in the game. :P
Dmg plus hit goes up and remains the optimal and logical way to use it. Though due to the majority using swords and spd to fight it is considered a useless pvp weapon and is more of a tool to hunt non agressive wild life on the server for food purposes as food regens you stamina. Maybe.