I agree with the comments about Pilgrim Street being grim and derelict, but it is hardly miles from the hustle and bustle of the shopping streets or entertainment venues such as the Theatre Royal or Tyneside Cinema.

It doesn't do the 56, X34, 100 et al any harm stopping there or there abouts and didn't when the 21 series stopped there previously.
Not sure why it would cause issues stopping there now. It would certainly speed services up and assist with reliability if management of the service is going to continue as it is.