Chess Game: French defence. 1 e4 e6


Interesting games.
Is that variation what is called the Fort Knox? I do remember looking at a Book called like The French Fort Knox, and it had to do with black playing an early b6, but I didn't read very far into it.
As for the first game, I did think white should stick the black knight with an early g4, on move 9 as soon as the knight came to f5. I generally feel h5 must be played in such situations in order to hold the knight on his nice outpost on f5.
I have been having trouble with and doubting the French a bit lately in the advance variation particularly where white plays - deviating off of the first game with 5. Nf3 (probably the most popular line) and then 5...Qb6 and then moves like 6.a3. I wonder how the Fort Knox might be applied here (if it can), and generally where to go. I don't have any opening material on it at the time, but I get pummelled in this variation vs. my ~2100 online chess rated friend who I am generally rated similar to.
I have always been a more strategic, positional player (who used to play the Caro-Kahn for 10 years) so I think the French is suited to my style, but lately I am leaning to finally play the Sicilian Dragon, for more exciting play with better counter chances. Maybe some French angel will swoop down and offer a saving grace ; )
Cheers.