Nothing has been confirmed officially regarding upcoming fleet movements and/or repaints to my knowledge, so I don't think we can be so sure to shoot one another's ideas down!
As for repaints occurring before vehicles arrive or fleet movements commence, it does happen? The 39 and 61 are prime examples of this happening currently. If they are to receive new(er) vehicles, the vehicles currently used on those services are being repainted one by one to prepare for this. I could imagine if a depot wasn't so short of vehicles, they would allow for more than one to go at one given time though!
As soon as Deptford's remaining vehicles are repainted and transferred, I could imagine work on the Versas will start. 605 plus 8271-3 to go.
RE: Go North East