I've supported Thistle for 40 years, and over that period there have been some dreadful spells, much worse than the present one - I can remember playing Alloa at Recreation Park, and the team being so poor that spectators were telling the players what to do, where to pass, and the players (especially the Callaghan brothers) doing as they were told.
Archibald has recently benefitted from sentimentality linked to his playing days, but he has also been more successful over a longer period than any manager I can remember. He seems however to be very conservative and cautious - cup ties at Firhill and Tannadice with no striker, and repeatedly slow to bring on subs.
To survive, he needs to throw caution to the wind. He needs to bring in fresh, younger faces and recognise that tinkering with the positions of established players will not be enough. He's tried that - it hasn't worked. He has now to be bold and experimental, and that won't come easily to him. It is his only hope.