I do think renumbering only works when the new number isn’t already taken and is an easy swap. Taking the Peterlee locals into 6x series, would be confusing if you had to renumber the existing Gateshead 67/69, and it comes down to what’s in a number really?
I’d have certainly renumbered the 204 & Q3 in these changes, any random spare number would have done. Simply “3” might have worked for the Q3, but not sure on Arriva and Stagecoach routes around there. Number 18 for instance for the 204.
RE: September Service Changes