I went for crossbows for the better damage, but a good way into act 3 I've seen a couple bows with half decent damage. With the updated merchant inventories in the latest patches, especially for the BF traders, it should be easier to get an acceptable bow. Also, the bow skill is available earlier than crossbow, so that would help narrow the gap. Playing a new game, I'd probably go with my DK as a bow archer, and invest much more in agility than strength.
Hex editing - gold, experience, stat/skill points 
