Range change is definitely one example of homebrew that makes sense for cRPG.
I don't have an issue, really, with what they did, but I do agree some sort of range difference provides value to the weapon.
Even if they did:
SHORT Bow 80 lONG bOW 150
CROSSBOW LIGHT 80 CROSSBOW HEAVY 100
That would be better.
This is an improvment to me. If this would still push longbows to being able to hit targets from offscreen I'm ok with that because:
1) Not all enemies should be using longbows, in fact not many at all – unless you upset a bunch of elves 2) Larian's twisty maps make it easy to break line of sight 3) Creatures who are ambushing you would wait until you're in close range so they don't have disadvantage, and their other units with lesser range are able to engage 4) It would make for some epic retreats, and likewise would mean your archer could foil enemy retreat attempts (if there ever was such a thing) 5) You could have some fun sniping, if that's how you want to play
