How would GUE divers be treated in France? I am genuinely curious what the perception of them is, over there.
With a Gallic shrug of the shoulders, a scratch of the head, a twirling of the mustache, and a 'who are they, they're not French'. Show some deco qualifications and they are happy. Unfortunately they have the law to work with, so if you can help them fit you somewhere into their legal framework then you will be fine.
In general a lot of the way the French treat other divers depends on their attitude. You rock up and make like your gods gift to diving, then suddenly they won't speak English....... Similarly, if you are nice and friendly, and help them work out what you are qualified to do, and will accept a checkout dive then you will be nicely looked after. Just remember that the RSTC has no foothold (or any legal way to get one), and they consider diving to be a real sport rather than a leisure activity, so your most basic French diver will be doing (or at least qualified to do) deco dives, and most will have the basic skills on a par with GUE fundies as a minimum........ Almost all French divers participate actively in a club, and will be going to weekly pool sessions, swimming several kms per week as well as also having good freediving skills and cardiovascular fitness.
There are some splendid dives to do here, and well worth the administrative hassle.
Jon