The problem is that you go from your conclusion to the facts.

You can not imagine S.Smith as super-spy explaining the Calabrians how to revolt. No people wait for foreign expert to explain them that. They take their muskets because the foe is there.

First, Calabrian revolted, as did Vendéen or Catalan or Irish or Indian. Then a few foreign officers disembark to assess if the revolt deserves some guns and trained officers to coordinate them. Promises are provided at large, but when the strategic dead-end occurs - civilians can not hold the ground against large scale armies - the military support reembark, blaming their superior for stopping the mess.