swtools wrote: What I really want is the ability to use Airdrop in parallel with iCloud sync to keep my photos sync'd between camera and MacBook.
You can't do that.
AirDrop just isn't built for transferring large numbers of files. I use AirDrop a lot when I need pictures from my iPhone or iPad to go to my Mac quickly. They go to my Downloads folder where I can use them in various apps. But I don't copy them to Photos, because I know they'll show up there later. When they do, I delete the AirDropped copies from Downloads.
By the way, syncing with iCloud is incompatible with transfer by USB cable, as well.
The order in which pictures arrive should be of little concern-- the origin dates in the metadata are unchanged in a trip through iCloud Photos. If you have your Library or receiving album set to sort by capture date, then pictures taken together will appear together. If you have your Library set to sort by date added, then their order will be confused, since they may be arriving through different paths.
Since syncing uses the battery, and since lots of people are very anxious about battery drain, the iPhone will avoid syncing with iCloud when not plugged in. And since syncing uses processing power, and people hate slow downs, the iPhone will avoid syncing while you use it. And since syncing requires bandwidth, the iPhone will avoid syncing when the internet connection is weak.
So, if you want faster syncing, then find good wifi, plug the phone in, and leave it alone. All this applies to a lesser extent for the Mac. That being said, I often get pictures from my unplugged iPhone synced to my Mac through iCloud Photos in a few seconds. Sometimes, it's rather longer.
Sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear…
