"And in their arrogance they still think they have accomplished something for good."

Well, as far as France's final refusal and active opposition as far as the promise of vetoing, they managed torpedo any chance at a peaceful result.
If instead France had agree to listen to a second resolution, it's quite possible that war could have been delayed, the screws could have be tightened, then it's even possible the inspectors could have gotten further evidence, with more counties siding against Saddam's regime, forcing further concessions- this could have gone on for years with Saddam slowly losing power. For instance it might have even got to the point where reporters wouldn't be required to have minders. New international laws against interfering with the free press might have been adopted, etc.
That's the good side- though it's quite possible that throughout this additional time the Saddam could have manage bring about considerable damage in a number of different ways. So, France did accomplish something, forcing us to make a decision of going to war as quickly as possible. And since the war has been done brilliantly by our miltary and the Brits, we have got to the point in which Iraqi freedom has been accomplished with lightening speed. And with the result of "Shock and Awe" on the entire Arab world.
Of course, to think the French had actually planned and deliberately orchestrated this would be delusional (though I wouldn't be too surprised that some people in the French govt [particularly in the opposition party] had seen this as a possible opportunity to gain power- and no doubt that *now* that more of the opposition see it as a wonderful opportuny).
I would predict that French politicans with strong association with the French miltary are going to make considerable gains in the next election- I'm not saying this is "good" it just seems it will be a likely consequence.
[Of course "politic is always local" so this won't be a major factor, rather it will probably "color" the elections- oh, of course, it will depend when these election are going to take place- further in the future the less affect it will have.]