I don't think the circumstances have helped.
Being a striker in a very poor side is often a thankless task. Being a striker in Hecky's side when we would rarely try and get forwards left Archer isolated so often. We perhaps needed a big lump up front in some of those games.
Hecky realised, very late that playing Archer and McAtee on opposite wings brought a little success and then Wilder came in he was able to build on this with Diaz. Archer seemed to struggle with consistency and some injuries as well.
The front line has been anything from a lone striker to any combination Archer, Osula, McBurnie, Diaz and McAtee, so its something we have to address next season.
Archer, like Billy, knows where the goal is and given the chances will get goals as he puts himself into positions to get goals or play his part.
You're absolutely right about leaders in the dressing room. There is a reason why Arblaster at 20 years old has found himself with the armband. There aren't enough leaders in the squad. I've said previously that i'd have given Billy another year, again, for the leadership, but in hindsight, we have to move on.
Billy is also a shithouse, theres more than just goals to his game and the reason why other teams fans don't like him, because they'd want him in their side.
I'd like to see Billy come back, but only as a coach now. I'd now prefer to see Archer back (or stay) next season and be part of the spine of the team that gives the Championship a real go.