Before anyone shouts out, this is a wholly pragmatic view to the Derwentside Changes. Whilst I don't agree with the allocation of StreetDecks on the X21 and I'm sure GNE will find someway to sort this in the future (maybe more spare StreetDecks of the Angel when it goes EV).......it's probably just a hell of a lot easier keeping all the E400MMCs (minus the X10 subfleet) together at Consett for sheer ease hence my modelling below (and not a cold hard suggestion).

If the X32 & X70 were swapped around so that the X70 served the Lobley Hill Estate and the X32 operated straight via Lobley Hill Road, then practically everything including the X45 could interwork well within the given driving parameters and no changes other than times would be made for the other routes. Not forgetting much cleaner headways unlike the X70 & X31 that will practically sit on top of each other through Sunniside at xx:49 heading towards Newcastle. GNE have robbed themselves of an opportunity of a clean & efficient interworking pattern eliminating the need for most remote reliefs at Stanley.

Note that the default nominated fleet for the X32 & X70 would be corporate B9TL's or E400 Classics to ensure suitable cover for the other boards needing low height vehicles.