I think the Archangel is a fine choice, but definitely book up.  The best reason for playing 1...e5 is perhaps that very often, White plays something uncritical, and Black's game then is sweet.  It's amazing how many King's Gambits get played, for example, down here at the amateur level.

you are right, Be7 is safer but i like more sharp aggressive openings, but sound.  i doubt most people i play against will play main line lopez, unless i play in a higher section.

having reestablish that i will play and study the open games more, it is therefore logical that i should study a main line against the ruy lopez.  after looking over my options; my main choice is the new archangel with 4.Ba4, b5; 5. Bb3, Bc5.  i like it because it is more active and black does not get sufficated like in the closed main lines; it is also more forcing than the marshall attack, ie i am more likely to have a chance to play it.    

i know white can still sidestep but unless he likes the exchange any sidestepping should be bad and it avoids the delayed exchange.  

of course opinions and ideas are always appreciated.   yes i know most people don't play ruy lopez but there is always that chance, besides most chess players will eventually face it eventually.