Daniel,
You seem very keen on your 'valid points' that you miss the obvious one!
I confess I have not read any material, nor researched, nor do I claim to have any great knowledge of the operation.
You are happy to castigate those who planned the operation and conclude that that other options would have been far better.
On what evidence?
Now some of the facts.
In 1941 an initial proposal was done regarding attacking shipping and harbours using both canoes and underwater swimmers. This by a Royal Marine, one Major H Hasler.
These plans where layed to oneside until later a plan was made code name 'Frankton'.The major part of the planning being done by one Lt Commander G P L'Estrange RNVR.
On 21st September 1942 Major H Hasler was called in to give his opinion on the feasibility of the operation. After which he submitted his written plan for Operation Frankton.
Prior to this all other options had been carefully examined, Haslers plan being the one considered to be the best one with any chance of success.
Needless to say during the training various things where fine tuned and revised.
Bombing the targets was ruled out due to the danger to the French civilian population.
Dropping the team in by parachute!
German fighters? Distance to cover? Available aircraft? What about the DZ, location, security, transport???
Canoe 105lbs + stores 60lbs not to mention twelve men?
Resistance?
Remember this is 1942, not as fully organised as in 1944!
How do you contact , not every cell had a radio set or operator!
If the Resistance was informed, perhaps a bigger chance of being compromised! Again look at the parachute option???
The escape plan was to head north 160km towards Ruffec in the anticipation that the Resistance would be on the look out for 'escapers'.
Was the Resistance so organised in Bordeaux that they could have done the job?
Unlikely, plus if they had what would have been the German reaction to the local population?
You see the preperation and planning was done.
Although the 'tide race' was missed.
It is interesting to note that the one person involved from day one in the planning and the execution of Operation Frankton was Major H Hasler aka Blondie.
Have an opinion by all means, but it does help if it is an educated opinion.
I to have also spent time with and spoken with various veterans.
I have even spoken with veterans about Operation Frankton.
That is both Blondie Hasler and Bill Sparks.
Rover