QUOTE
it appears Skyrim's archery has an "arc compensation" auto-aim mechanic in place
Ooooh...

...That explains that then...It was really starting to piss me off...I loved accounting for distance in Oblivion...The kids thought it was brilliant what I could hit from the other side of a cave and not be discovered...Tried it again with this one...Nope...You'se crap you is...
Cheers for that...