As I experimented further I’ve automated more tasks:
start RoonServer automatically when my USB DAC is connected
once RoonServer is started, mount my network volumes in Synology, start NoSleep (an app which prevents MBP from sleeping when lid is closed), quit Dropbox, disable Time Machine
once USB DAC is unplugged, quit RoonServer
once quitting RoonServer, quit Roon Remote (if running), quit NoSleep, start Dropbox, enable Time Machine
With the above my MBP is becoming a serious audio transport. I’ve uninstalled HQP for now as the connection to Roon is still not stable enough.