Yes, I want a local directory with updated content to check the remote directory and update any NEWER files, but I can't determine which method is needed and which method will FUBAR the whole thing.
If all files are uploaded every time, it is probably because there is some problem with timestamps.
Login with WinSCP and check the timestamps in panels. There will probably be some difference. Let me know what difference. Also let me know what protocol do you use, SCP or SFTP?