You've referred here a couple of times to Bernadotte's career post-Auerstedt as his ability to lead with success, and that in general, he was very capable on the field.

Remind me how Bernadotte excelled post-Auerstedt.

I do agree, however, that his remaining at Apolda was scarcely treason, and had he charged toward the sound of the guns, Naps would have had him up on charges, as he would any other marshal who so blatantly disobeyed Berthier's orders. I also think Naps needed someone to blame for faulty intelligence that led to his belief the entire Prussian army was at Jena. And it was whatever sentiments Naps still retained for Brnadotte's wife that kept the situation from escalating past the point of reason, as well as the reason he was made a marshal in the 1804 round.

All that being said, I still think that on a good day, Bernadette was basically mediocre.