Lots of very good advice here, both general and specific.
I've not walked the Madrid, so I can only speak to the general part.
@paulgeis, deep breath.
You know yourself better than anyone, certainly better than any of us here. So a bit of reflection is in order to help you decide the best way forward.
Not overthinking but simple yes-no questions to ask yourself:
• Were you just momentarily overwhelmed when you posted here, or do you easily and often overwhelmed?
• Do you have experience walking long distances alone, or are you competely new?
• Do you have a good sense of direction, or do you get lost at hone with a gps?
• Are you comfortable with solitude or do you prefer company?
• How do you feel about spontenaity? Uncertainty?: Ok, or
nonononono?
• Do you have all the equipment you need?
For anyone who's flexible, comfortable with solitude, and capable of walking distances between pueblos, the Madrid is ideal.
If you feel more at ease with shorter stages, company along the way, and reliable accommodation, the Frances would be ideal.
Both are good, but they are very different experiences. None if us can choose for you, we can only choose for us. And it matters where head and heart are. I would personally opt for the Madrid now, but for my first camino it would have been a disaster.
The main thing is to stay grounded in reality, and not to push your mental and emotional limits too hard. Walking and all it involves are hard enough - you will need to dig deep no matter which route you choose. So know your limits and respectfully and kindly stay within them.
Whichever way you walk, it will be an achievement, and a good thing to have done. There are no lesser choices here. So look within peregrino, and choose whichever route suits you better.
Both are seriously good.