The French Monarchy from Louis XIV to 1789 required an astute and capable monarch to function well. Louis XVI was neither nor was he very interested in governing.

Like Louis XV?

But more importantly, was the french economy prior to 1789 failed? I don't think so. And as you pointed out, if the french state prior to 1789 was failing, then a lot of quite similar european states were failing.

I think we all concur that the french state of the revolution was very successful.That was JakeS point I think: France failing in 1780, quite unfailed in 1795.