I see this problem happening only to me when it's used as code repository. Which is what he is doing. I had that for one project because the client didn't want to use git, but it's horrible. So, logically, when you have a lot of files changing all the time (compiling (xcode, eclipse), adding libraries (node, RoR)) you'll see dropbox taking over your computer. For all other uses it seems fine.
Note also that when you have the issue with a lot of small files, during/after dropbox is done, Finder / mds will jump to the top of your top indexing the files. I disabled mds in my projects directory and will never place active source directories in dropbox again.
You are right. That is strange. I never tried turning synching off; I just turn Dropbox off entirely. But is that load not a result of the FS monitoring? Or does that take far less in itself?
Note also that when you have the issue with a lot of small files, during/after dropbox is done, Finder / mds will jump to the top of your top indexing the files. I disabled mds in my projects directory and will never place active source directories in dropbox again.