First, the archaeological record is not quite as empty as the minimalists would have us believe. This certainly implies some substantial settlement in this period. Furthermore, Late Bronze Age tombs have been found outside Jerusalem. The people buried in these tombs must have lived somewhere, and it's hardly credible to suppose that they were the only inhabitants of the area. An Egyptian temple may also have stood outside Jerusalem during this period.
Pottery is easily breakable.
Indeed, it breaks so easily and must be replaced so frequently that its design evolves rapidly. That is why changes in pottery forms provide such an excellent chronological indicator. And nothing is more abundant on archaeological digs than pottery sherds, by which different strata are dated. This is indeed the toughest question of all. It is true that the pottery is not abundant.