If there is a folder already there, Maestral (or the regular Dropbox app) has to compare what is there, with what is on the server.
If there is no folder there, Dropbox (or Maestral) will simply download the current contents of my Dropbox.
Downloading is fast.
Comparing is slow(er).
Uploading is slow(er).
I have a very fast download connection that is unmetered, so removing the ~/Dropbox/ folder is the best chance I have to avoid potential problems and slowness. IMO. YMMV. Not legal advice. Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.
Better to start clean.
Maestral will walk you through the process. I believe it opens a web page that will have you log in at Dropbox.com and then will open the app.
It was simple and straightforward.
It will offer to use ~/Dropbox/ but you can change the name or move it elsewhere.
Maestral even supports multiple accounts.
And you can change the installation location later without much hassle either. Much easier than Dropbox’s official app.
Yes, this is all part of the installation process.
No apology is necessary. Feeling confident before you start reduces anxiety and will allow you to be more comfortable when you do it.
That being said: take your time, read what it says, follow the instructions, and it’s difficult to go wrong.
IME.