French capital ships without the Jeune Ecole detour

Without the Jeune Ecole, could France's pre-dreadnought fleet have matched Germany and Russia more effectively?

Yes, but a steadier French challenge would also push Britain to maintain an even greater advantage in naval industry and infrastructure.

France could become more competitive with Germany and Russia, but Britain might still benefit most from the sustained challenge. A continuous French program would encourage the Royal Navy to preserve its industrial and infrastructure lead rather than pause or reduce construction. Germany and Russia would also face a steadier French building program. The result is a different competitive environment for every major European shipbuilding power, rather than simply a larger French fleet.