Works almost as well when I use a usb cable to the device. I say almost because my ereader acts like it's got an old fashioned usb interface
Seems I've saved myself more aggravation by disabling all of Calibre's device plugins, since the database and ebooks are on the device itself, there is really no need to enumerate the files ( job - get the file list ) from the device when it is connected via a usb cable.
"A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure." Lee Segall; For me that also applies to active databases.
Sometimes, less is more, and by doing less, using Calibre is more enjoyable to use.