Well I typed up a nice post on this subject and lost my internet connection just as I was about to submit. Lost it.
Condensed version: Yes Charolais can milk, raise a big enough calf, and be a very good contributor in a commercial herd. She will likely add some length and frame to her calfs, which can mean more pounds at weaning.
Any breed can have good or bad in any given area. Breeder selection is the big ticket. You may get a cow that doesnt milk enough, milks just right, or milks too much etc.
It does seem to me that the Charolais are more willing to be very docile when treated kindly/handled properly. Again that is subject to proper selection. I believe that many commercial breeders buy a Charolais bull as a terminal bull, then get some heifers that grow out well and wind up keeping them back in the herd. I just hope if thats right, that they rethink the terminal stigma that is stuck on the Charolais breed by folks that want to sell you replacement females of a different color.
As far as the "experts" opinions, they are entitled to their own just as I am mine. They are human like we all are and many are friends with the breeders they work around. Its easy to be more friends with the breeder that provides the greatest contribution to their friendship when giving advise to potential customers, especially new or inexperienced ones.
You might like the Charolais in your herd, but you wont know if you dont try them. I like mine.
Cotton1