Bruno,
I know there were a lot of arbitrary arrests and deportations under the Directory - though whether they were as extensive as their opponents claimed is open to argument. One I won't get into, not having the data, and therefore will pass over Napoleon's record in this respect! There are books on the Directory which give a substantially more positive view of the regime. (Martin Lyons: France under the Directory). Books which use the record of the Directory to justify Napoleon's takeover should be read with caution.

As for the 'pushing' of Napoleon to be emperor, I go with Isser Woloch (Napoleon and his Collaborators) that it was Napoleon's idea, though he had backers and the discussion was initiated by one of his supporters, Regnaud.

>I do doubt that he set out to wear the Imperial robes.<
Nobody made him go into the full Carolingian Imperial costume, papal consecration, titles for the whole family, full court etiquette and the whole charade. He got into fancy dress with some enthusiasm, consider the picture of his marriage to Marie-Louise and his much-criticised appearance at the Champ de Mai in 1815.

regards,

Susan