Would French commanders take unnecessary risks to restore national honour?
Short answerProbably not at fleet level; the navy was professional, though some younger destroyer commanders might show extra aggression.
NotesWounded national honour is unlikely to make the fleet command seek a reckless battle. The French Navy is described as a professional service whose senior officers would assess risk much as Royal Navy commanders did. Some younger destroyer captains might display additional aggression and a desire to prove themselves. That possibility affects individual actions rather than the overall command culture or strategic employment of the fleet.