Hi Terry

In case you have time, read the books of Titeux front to cover - he gives a lot food of thought. You are right about the quality of the soldiers Dupont was leading in 1808 -- under terrible weather conditions.
Napoleon was megalomaniac enough to think he could direct the theater of war from Bayonne and he ignored the adivse of people on the spot, like his own brother Joseph, who did see things more clear then Napoleon - Titeux gives very good examples.
Also Vedel had the order to secure Baylen, but instead he chased an immaginary foe.
It is also suprising to see that Victor got the marshal's button for nothing - and Dupont a third class outfit in Spain.
Accoridng to Titeux Victor got the baton to please Lannes who threatened to resign because of clashes with Napoleon.
It is interesting to see that Dupont commanded capable three divisions at Pozzolo but that then the whole affaire is put under the carpet and that he is reduced to a divisional commander.
I bellieve that the 1800 campaign must have been a key factor. Dupont prooved himself perhaps too competent as well as chief of staff and army leader. Other generals also did well in 1800 but then fell out of favour (for whatever reasons).
In my view there was no other French divisional commander as capable as Dupont in the campaigns of 1805 - 1807 - he got rewarded with a kick in the backside while others made careers.