Archie quality has been overall terrible since the beginning of the 80s and it finally died along with Dan DeCarlo. They don't need to turn it gritty. Just write stories with heart and get artists that know anatomy and posing like they had pre 80s: Harry Lucey, DeCarlo, Schwartz, now those guys could draw. I admit, I did enjoy some stories and art since, but I don't want to name anyone I like that worked there since they are all so sue happy, don't want to create trouble.
Up til the late 70s it still was pretty good. Though never "hilarious". Still amusing and professionally drawn. Plus it's like no one even bothered keeping fashions on trend in a comic for girls like Betty & Veronica since DeCarlo left.