WvW and weapons
Shortbow does a lot more damage per second than the longbow, it just does less damage per arrow. So if you count the total damage per second, shortbow packs a much higher punch than longbow. Crossfire has higher dps even than rapidfire, and that’s after the shortbow overnerf.
I use longbow and great sword, but I’m probably an idiot. I just prefer the skills those two offer more than shortbow.
Its situational IMHO. If your running with a zerg or even a small group short bow is a solid choice. if you are defending a keep and are on top of the wall you’ll want to have barrage for the AOE.
The longbow packs a punch based on distance, if you have range yeah its a good option but if you are close range (but out of melee) then shortbow crippling shot is a great have, it also makes your pets next 3 attacks cause a bleed and chances are youre already stacking them from crossfire.
IMHO the shortbow allows you more flexability in play style, but isnt necessarily superior overall. If you like to stand back and snipe, long bow is the way to go.
As Thorgrum mentioned, it’s situational. You should be using the weapons that work for your play style. I use SB/GS because I prefer a high mobility, high control play style. I’m not as effective with other weapons simply because they don’t let me do what I like to do in the way that I like to do it.
For WvW in general i prefer longbow because you can do everything with it, obviously traited to have more range. It has everything you need, barrage does good damage and cripples, you have a knock-back in case someone gets close to you and rapid fire is somewhat decent.
Shortbow is more roaming oriented, and only if you know you are getting into close combat, otherwise longbow is still more usefull thanks to its range when traited.
It also depends completely on your build, longbow is not any good unless you run a glass cannon or semi glass cannon berseker build.