Even if Cronin did investigate all those memoirs thoroughly - which I doubt, given the journalistic nature of his research - his opinion is not gospel and cannot be held to be definitive for all ages.
I have dipped into the Bourrienne et ses erreurs previously but didn't get far - I am aware of the low authenticity of Bourrienne as I have already made clear.

I am still waiting for a sample of the defamatory statements made by any of the other writers you criticise.

Susan