Is vikings missing thumb ring actually that big of a deal?

I mean, it's the only archer-line tech they are missing. They still have better arbalests than Aztecs and Sicilians (missing ring archer armor), and same techs as Bohemians, and Khmer, for example. They still have their amazing eco, and now very good infantry. Seems almost like a boost rather than a nerf.

What do you guys think_