Honestly, the Germans forgot the first rules of Clausewitz and von Moltke the Elder (whom they all worshiped so thoroughly). First, war is an extension of politics. That is to say, politics is not an extension of war. Declaring war on Belgium and the Netherlands for military expediency runs contrary to Clausewitz in this regard, and moreover a lack of political oversight over a highly militaristic state and institutions was similarly a poor idea. Politicians are suppose to rein military excess, and scale back on their objectives from total to limited war (were this not the case, we would've used nuclear weapons in the Korean War). Also, that no plan survives contact with the enemy.
Absolutely agree, i dont think the Schlieffen plan was a great plan i also think the Prussian General staff were over rated, however the General staff system was itself a good idea. The invasion of Belgium was a ruthless violation of a sovereign nation, i wish German liberalism had been more powerful in 1848 and later on.
Actually my original thread was a bit unclear, the Schliefflen plan was never tried, and people are mixing what should be called The Moltke plan with the Schlieffen plan.
But - adding back the army Moltke withdrew, to advance North of Brussels
A)The delay at Liege doesn't occur, as liege is outflanked. The Belgians are over run, and cant withdraw to Antwerp, the delay caused by having to deal with Antwerp doesn't occur, the whole German advance is quicker, and the Belgians dont have time to destroy there rail network.