I wonder what effect this will have for Loeb vs Ogier popularity in France.

For Hyundai it's only positive, for Mikkelsen especially as Loeb will certainly have leverage to introduce changes to the car on tarmac and his style is much close to Mikkelsen (and Ogier) than how Neuville is driving on tarmac these days. Better to possibly miss a few rounds if the car gets changed than drive as last WRC with no changes in sight on tarmac.