Anyone can learn to shoot well enough to hunt in a day or so? I don't agree...Learning the (physical) rules of archery, and remembering to apply them are two different things. Like when you hear a golfer lament that he "forgot to keepmy head down" and flubbed a shot. When you miss a shot on a deer it's because you made a mistake, and only lots of practice cures that!
That said, I tend to agree that crossbows won't ever take the place of compounds. Although, if the day ever comes that I can't draw a bow, I'll shoot a crossbow before a rifle. I like having to get "up close and personal" with deer. In my opinion, the shot should be the easiest part of the hunt...that's what makes it exciting!