Bourrienne wasn't a 'close buddy' but an old schoolmate, as has been pointed out to you. And he was punished by being fired twice and disgraced. And according to Edward Whitcombe in Napoleon's Diplomatic Service, the assignment to Hamburg was a punishment, not a reward.

Instead of blindly make accusations without proof or substance, perhaps if you wish to discuss the issue you might at least do some cursory research. 'Ready, Fire, Aim' is not valid historical methodology.