Updated the firmware on the Air several times and that's my query.....
EVERY TIME I want to fly, even if only a few minutes apart from end to next, I have to go
through the process of updating the FW and Geofencing. Draining batteries and patience...
Help please?
(yes, SD cards installed and formatted by app)

I've read that this new firmware contains a battery firmware update.  I noticed that if I've not used one of my batteries with the drone it will ask me to update the firmware.  If it's the same battery and every time you power it off it tells you to update the firmware I'd contact support, but if it's different batteries, this would be why.  

Try to refresh the firmware with DJI Assistant.