The French got bitten BADLY in August and September 1914 due to the shortcommings of Plan 17. The idea that "Elan" and "Cran" can make up for inferiority of numbers, materiel, and most importantly artillery is just laughable. On top of that, Sir John French and his pathetic contribution 6 divisions at the outset, coupled with his and Sir Archibald Murray's steadfast refusal to give battle (with the accidental exception of Mons) had the French leadership (under Joffre) absolutely livid. Lanrezac's army was very nearly anihilated by Von Kluck due the exposed flanks left by the BEF. The only miracle of any real note at the Marne was that Franche Despere was able to patch together enough remnants of the French left wing to even show up to the battle front.
While some of the French leadership was certainly lacking throughout the war, their systematic distrust of their allies after the battle of the Frontiers was born in proven lack of commitment from those same "allies" in 1914. When viewed in that light, French actions are certainly more defensible.
In any event, the WW1 era French solider deserves as much respect as any other. They paid for victory in blood more than any other beligerent. The entire St. Cyr graduating class from 1914 failed to survive the way. 1915's class suffered about 80% casualties. Name another country to have held up to those losses in the Great War. Hint: There is none.
As for the Berthier, it is unusual in that it's a MleM16 rifle cut to carbine pattern with a non-standard nose cap and has also been fitted with M1907-15 bottom metal. The original rifle may wel lhave been a Mle1907-15 repaired with an Mle16 carbine receiver.