Maybe it's because you had 300+ points in that skill?
Anyway, I could try exporting after the battle...I only just just at the very start of the battle.
Yeah, you would. Any items that you would usually receive in the game you'd get again and they'd probably work as they're supposed to (even if you've taken the same potion before).
Well, there is the disadvantage that you don't get the bonuses that many weapons have to various resistances or skills, though the attack is fast and the damage goes up with more points placed in the skill. Equipping a shield limits the attack a little though.
I always found that to make Archery viable throughout the game more points needed to be placed in it, otherwise you'd only hit rarely. However, I never really focused on Archery preferring the other forms of combat (until the end). You can still pick off enemies one by one, it just requires a lot of luring tactics.
It's been a while...but without the criticals I think it was between 10 and 20 a hit. I know that Slayer and Sniper both actually decreased the amount of hits I had despite the damage hike.