Ranged vs Dexterity Combat Checks

[IotaPrime]

A situation came up on our last session that we house-ruled to keep the game moving, but I would like some clarity on it.

Merisiel (d12 Dexterity but no Ranged Skill) uses a Shortbow in combat.

Shortbow
Traits: Bow, Ranged, Piercing, 2-Handed, Basic
Powers: For your combat check, reveal this card to roll your Dexterity or Ranged die + 1d6.
Etc.

So, for the combat check, since Merisiel has no Ranged skill (so would use a d4), she opts to roll her Dexterity (d12). In my mind this makes it a "Dexterity combat check."

Merisiel also acquired an Archer ally:
Powers: Recharge this card to add 1d4 to your Ranged combat check.
Etc.

Am I right in thinking that since Merisiel chose to roll her Dexterity die instead of her Ranged die for the combat check, that she cannot use the Archer's power (i.e. it is not a "Ranged combat check" unless the die for the Ranged skill is used)?

Or, because the Shortbow adds the Ranged trait to the attack regardless of which die is rolled, does it qualify since it's combat check with the Ranged trait?

Thematically it makes sense that regardless of what die is rolled, a ranged attack is something an Archer could help you with. I could even see an Archer helping a spellcaster who casts a spell with the Ranged trait (I'm not sure if that exists in this game, so this is just a hypothetical example). But, I know that what "makes sense" doesn't necessarily jive with the game mechanics, so I'm looking for a little guidance here.

[csouth154]

Checks are defined by their traits. A check with the ranged trait IS indeed ranged check. The check you described could be accurately referred to as a combat, dexterity, ranged, bow, piercing, or 2-handed check.

[kysmartman]

I don't think there is a weapon in the game that is a "For your combat check roll your Dexterity or Ranged die..." that doesn't have the ranged trait on its card. That means that you can use the Archer or any other ally that says X die to a ranged combat check.

The only time you would use your dexterity die on a combat check and couldn't play one of those is when using Sajan's power.