November changes are very positive, and it's certainly refreshing to see. The cynic in me would suggest the 8 changes may be in retaliation to losing the 73 to Gateshead Central Taxis. Aside from Teal Farm, I'd say it'll now be quite difficult for Nexus to justify securing that route in it's entirety.
One slight criticism would be that there appeared to be no consultation. I don't use GNE buses nearly as much as I used to, but I've certainly been on 8's and 4's numerous times a week. Consultation is always a good thing, and something that GNE have historically done very well (apart from the Metrolink consultation ).