Has anything changed since le 11? Because there is no dtb folder in there, just one named amlogic
The dtb folder was renamed to amlogic to align with upstream u-boot conventions. Hence when you switch from an invalid path to the dtb file (dtb) to a valid path (amlogic) the device booted. The update process knows about both locations so it doesn't matter whether you have an old style (dtb) or newer style (amlogic) filesystem layout, the update will be successful.
it booted... after like 2-3 minutes of being "stuck" in the le and kodi splash screens!
Most likely performing a DB upgrade.
So what do I do now?
Your conversaton has wandered all over the place so i've lost track of what you were trying to do (sounds like you forgot too)