I think the French are far from perfect but so are the British judging from all your complaints about the CAA. All I read is the cost of examinations and the "must be CAA employed examiners" and the costs of a170 and ... and ...
The only positive seems to be the IMCr....
The FAA has certainly a much more pragmatic approach to things than EASA.
Alas ... we live in europe .. and allthough the EU and EASA brings us quiet a bit of limitations and extra burden ... it has also brought peace and prosperity to our region with far to many countries with each their own unique identity on a small area.
And frankly .. I rather enjoy the French wines.